Mixed reactions from PSV operators

“THE calm before the storm,” is what some commuters and drivers had to say yesterday after numerous public service vehicles (PSVs) were permanently moved to their new location at the Constitution River Terminal.

This move, which was seen by many as being inevitable for the PSV operators who were still plying their trade on the outskirts of the Barbados Fire Service on Probyn Street, initially received mixed reactions from these operators and passengers who felt that the current space at the terminal was inadequate for such a move.

During a visit to the terminal yesterday however, some PSV workers felt that the real impact of the move may not be felt until classes for schoolchildren resume today.

“Right now traffic is light for us. People are not rushing as they will when the children go back out to school. So for me, today (Monday) was just another day,” one male PSV driver said.

Another driver for the Silver Hill route, which was among those who were moved to the terminal, said that the move may end up being a great thing, because it will then require all travellers to converge on one area to take the vans as opposed to separate locations.

“For me it will be good, because it means more people will be in the terminal on mornings and evenings to travel on our route. Right now honestly, we don’t have enough space to hold all the vans, and tomorrow (today) when the school children come back out, it may get even more hectic in terms of having the room to fit the vans inside. For right now though, I am glad for the extra passengers,” he said.

With the recent relocation of these PSVs, commuters are asked to pay close attention to the gate numbers when entering the terminal, because some of the routes have been changed from gate numbers they were assigned to previously. (SB)