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Minister of Transport and Works, Michael Lashley Q.C. unveiled the plaque to the new Constitution River Terminal, alongside Chairman of the Barbados Transport Authority, Abdulhai Pandor; Alex Linton, Director of Barbados Transport Authority; Architect, Stanton Haynes; and Rev. Graveney Bannister

New River Terminal Completed

In about two weeks’ time the Constitution River Terminal will be fully operational.

The calls of the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators and commuters for improved conditions have been answered with this brand new three-storey building, completed at an estimated cost of $3.2 million.

Yesterday, Minister of Transport and Works Michael Lashley Q.C. unveiled the plaque at the City facility and alongside stakeholders witnessed the arrival of the first vans to the concourse.

“Our presence here today is evidence of the strong and deep commitment of my Government to bring about the changes necessary to transform the River Bus Stand into a modern, comfortable and safe terminal for Public Service Vehicle operators and the travelling public,” he expressed.

“There is evidence on record that spoke to the conditions of this terminal and it was placed in a document by the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders. In fact, it recommended that this terminal be closed because of the conditions that existed. And being a responsible Ministry and a responsible Government, we acted on what we found in that document.”

The terminal offers a waiting area with seating, covered access to buses, public restrooms, an information section and advertising space. Also, not turning a blind eye to recent incidents of bad behaviour in the area, and even one death, the Transport Minister has stepped up police presence and made provisions for an outpost. The Transport Authority will also occupy one of the three floors.

The second phase of this project, according to Lashley, will be the establishment of stall spaces for the vendors.

“We will seek to develop spaces with good facilities and include those stall owners and other persons who want to recent a space in this area … We are going to look at developing a prototype that will include not only better restroom facilities, but of course something that will really match the outlook of this fantastic terminal.”

Furthermore, he disclosed that phase three will see the redevelopment of the neighbouring Fairchild Street Terminal and Market. Lashley also highlighted future plans to upgrade the Princess Alice Terminal, Speightstown Terminal as well as developing hubs at Oistins and Six Roads.

“But, these are only part of a wider plan to develop and modernise the public transport sector in Barbados,” he said.

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