SKNIS Photo 1: Director of Public Works Department Cromwell Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 12, 2018 (SKNIS): The new EC$4 million East Line Bus Terminal located on Wellington Road, Basseterre, opened with great fanfare on Tuesday December 11, 2018, fulfilling a promise made by the Minister of Public Infrastructure, the Honourable Ian Patches Liburd, to improve the commuting experience for passengers and drivers travelling from Basseterre to Dieppe Bay via Cayon.
The previous arrangement for buses travelling the East Line Bus Route saw the vehicles lining up on Branch Street and Johnson Street, which brought much frustration for residents of the area. The residents often complained about the hassle in accessing their homes – as the buses were parked directly in front of their gates. The loud music and other noises from the buses, as well as the profanity from some drivers and passengers, were also a constant nuisance. Additionally, commuters were vulnerable to the changing weather elements marked by frequent rainfall, particularly during June to November.
This now ends as up to 40 buses can be accommodated at the new terminal. The new sheltered facility can comfortably serve some 130 passengers.
“We said that we are going to bring relief and we have brought that relief to you today,” Minister Liburd stated.
Director of Public Works, Cromwell Williams, noted that the East Line Bus Terminal features three main sheds – one for disembarking passengers and the other two for embarking passengers. The areas for boarding buses are separated for passengers travelling to Molineux, and those going on to Parsons. The terminal also has five shops, internet Wi-Fi, bathroom facilities, security cameras, and a security booth. It is well lit with modern LED bulbs and has wheelchair ramps to ensure that it is friendly for all users.
“I am confident that this area will not only serve for the loading and offloading of passengers but that it will become a place for action, for ‘liming’,” Director Williams said, citing the colloquial term for hanging out or socializing.
Minister Liburd, who also has responsibility for transport, encouraged all users to help care for the facility. He noted that the new terminal brings improved structure and comfort to the commuting experience and said it was important for everyone to embrace the upgraded concept.
SKNIS Photo 4: Dignitaries and residents attended the opening of the East Line Bus Terminal
“In advance, I thank the presidents of the [East Line] Bus Associations and implore them to make certain that their members who will utilize this facility would display at all times a decorum filled with courtesy for their passengers and their fellow drivers alike,” he stated.
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