Visit by SPTC Boards members |
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SPTC Board members guided by SPTC CEO Ms. Laporte were treated to a tour of SPTC offices and facilities on 20 and 23 August.
The aim of the visits was to accustom the Board members with the different facilities at the Victoria Bus Terminal and New Port Depot. They also got the opportunity to interact with SPTC employees. |
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The Board Members at the SPTC Head Office, from left to right: Mrs. Brenda Bastienne. Mr. Jules Hoareau, Ms. Veronique Laporte, Mr. Gilbert Morin and Ms. Idith Alexander. Missing is Mrs. Veronique Herminie. |
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Meeting with Police representative |
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On Wednesday 17 August the Police representative Inspector Tambara, met with a group of SPTC staff comprising mainly of drivers in a session held at the New Port Depot. Amongst issues discussed were speeding, use of mobile phones while driving, overloading, and proper use of lay-bys. |
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The Police informed that it will intensify its patrol and closely monitor drivers' conduct at national level and that disciplinary actions will be taken with any driver caught breaking the regulations. With the arrival of its breathalyzer kit Mr. Tambara said that the Police will soon start random testing on drivers in general.
The drivers also expressed their concerns notably the crossing next to the National Library which is situated between two main bus stops and considered as dangerous for pedestrians and an inconvenience for drivers.
They also voiced out the difficulties they encounter to manoeuvre on Secondary roads when buses are parked on both sides of the road, the need for contractors undertaking cleaning projects to place warning signs at least 60 metres prior to hazard to inform drivers of activity going on ahead, amongst others. The different complaints and suggestions have been brought to the attention of Land Transport Agency. There was also call for more sensitization programmes on the media by the Police to educate road users. |
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SPTC management listens to complaints and suggestions from Copolia residents |
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It was in a cordial atmosphere that SPTC representatives met with a group of Copolia residents on 17 August at New Port to discuss issues related to bus services at Copolia. The main points raised were:
SPTC CEO gave explanations to all the concerns and issues raised and informed that the necessary will be done to address issues brought forward. Copolia residents have been asked to monitor the situation and to give regular feedback to SPTC. |
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Security Measures |
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SPTC has for some times been carrying out an exercise to assess the different scenarios on board its buses notably in the evenings. Such disturbances affect the driver as well as passengers. To curb down the numerous problems SPTC encounters, two systems have been introduced.
As part of a pilot project, cameras were installed on one bus and the review of imaging was quite alarming. Recordings show major incidents that could cause threat to the driver’s and passengers’ lives. During the coming month, cameras will be fixed on buses serving 10 different routes. They will be controlled by SPTC. Surveillance cameras will be installed on specific buses only where research has shown happenings that are cause for concern and public insecurity.
SPTC has awarded one year contract to Pegasus Security Company Pty Limited to assume security on board its buses with effect Saturday 1 May. Due to alarming rates of disorder on buses which is affecting comfort of passengers, SPTC has seen the necessity for such service to allow commuters to enjoy their ride without disturbance. The trained Security personnel will board the bus either at the terminal or bus stops. As identification, the Security personnel are in possession of a card with both SPTC and Pegasus Security Company logos. Sometimes they will be in uniforms and at other times undercover. The Security Officers have rights to disembark passengers who are creating disorders in the bus. To start off, Officers will be placed on buses serving 10 different routes only.
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Additional Trips |
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Following the meeting with District Representatives earlier this year, there was call from the general public for SPTC to improve and increase the number of buses on some routes. After a feasibility study, the corporation has managed to use its available resources to schedule, organize and introduce additional trips on 5 routes as follows:
On Saturdays trips have been added on the following routes:
Other services include more buses on Saturdays at the end of each month for shopping purposes and on Sundays for church goers. For details of other services, please check our bus time-table
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Re-organisation of workshop |
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SPTC has introduced new practices in its Mechanical Workshop as part of activities to revamp its services to establish procedures best practices.
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NEW SCHEDULE 21 APRIL |
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SPTC will be re-organizing its schedule, following a study conducted recently. The existing bus schedule has been in place for the past ten years and necessitates amendments to meet today’s changing environment. Copies of the schedule are available at SPTC Office at SR5/-. Members of the public can also get access to the document in their District Administration Office, on SPTC website or call the office for more information.
Commuters are also invited to contact SPTC for feedback on this new schedule.
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Progress on Hotline |
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Set up on 10 January 2010 to receive public complaints and suggestions, the Hotline has been extremely busy recording well over 80 calls per week. |
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