Recent News:

SPTC reaches out to the community

As part of its corporate responsibilities, SPTC has this year planned a series of activities aimed at reaching out to the community.
In May for example, SPTC made donations of Fire Extinguishers to the Foyer de Nazareth for the safety of the boys who live there.

On Saturday 25 June 2011, it was the turn of residents of the Ste Elizabeth Convent in Victoria to benefit from the range of activities already on SPTC's Social Committee Calendar. A group of motivated SPTC staff from different sections got together to clean the convent's compound, giving the building a new coat of paint and carrying out associated works to enhance the Convent's environment.
Staff members also made financial contributions were used to buy goods and stationary for the residents of the convent.

SPTC embarks on e-learning application for its Workshop Technicians

As part of a new cadre established for mechanics at SPTC, the Corporation has launched a project to train all its Workshop Technicians using the e-learning approach. In total 64 staff will benefit from the Programme which has been devised by TATA Motors Limited (TML) of India. Two TML representatives Messrs. Keshab C. Sen and Rajesh Khanna were in the country for the launching of the programme. Prior to its launching a TML personnel was in Seychelles to set up facilities and provide necessary training to SPTC staff manning the programme.

The training has been designed to further improve SAFETY which is SPTC's top priority. The e-learning application is not restricted to servicing and repairs of TATA buses only, but a certified Mechanic from the programme will be equipped with knowledge of basic diesel engine technology to be able to also maintain heavy duty vehicles such as 70 tons truck, for example.

The other objectives of the training are to:  

•  improve the quality of Service and Repair rendered at SPTC Workshop.
• educate and enhance the skill of Technicians and thus make them more confident to ensure a higher level of performance.
  

Learning outcome
At the end of the training participants will have sound knowledge in:

1. Fault diagnosis and reduce actual time taken for repair

2. Correct running of repair procedures, repair data, adjustment data and trouble shooting

3. Proper maintenance schedule to obtain best performance

4. Usage of special tools for appropriate repair operations
   

Training methodology
The e-learning programme is of 3 levels with tests set at the end of each module.  Participants need to master one level in order to proceed to the next level and they need to sit for written exam prior to being certified.  SPTC is liaising with TATA Motors Limited and the Seychelles Qualifications Authority (SQA) to finalize issues of certification.

To ensure professional implementation of the e-learning SPTC has invested in a Computer Lab and necessary course materials and equipments.  In addition, a full time trained SPTC personnel with adequate workshop expertise, is managing the programme at classroom level and monitoring the technicians performance in the Workshop. 

The e-learning programme was launched by TATA Motors representative Mr. Sen, Head of Customer Care (CVBU) International Business and Ms. Veronique Laporte SPTC CEO, in a ceremony at SPTC New Port Depot on Friday 1 July 2011 in the presence of Ministry of Education, Seychelles Qualifications Authority and Seychelles Institute of Technology officials.  Also present were SPTC Management and participants of the programme.

To note, TATA Motors Limited is the world’s third largest bus manufacturer and it has been providing TATA buses to SPTC as well as technical expertise for the past 20 years.

SPTC participates in Carnaval International de Victoria

A group of proud SPTC ambassadors braved the hot sun to participate in the Carnaval International De Victoria on 5 March 2011. Under the corporation's vision and theme float " SPTC the first choice of transport for commuting in Seychelles", the participants, dressed in clothes that depict people going to different activities such as to church, work, parties, beach, wedding amongst others blew whistles and horns, sang and danced along the way animating the float. The participants were of different age groups representing the generations that SPTC transports.
Members of the public were delighted to see for the first time ever one of SPTC's buses decorated with destination boards all round which contained scrolling information advertising SPTC's services.

The main aim was to showcase that travelling by bus is comfortable, convenient and fun. It also had as objective to sensitize the general public that buses can be used for different occasions apart from the usual transportation of people to work and school.

SPTC rewards its long service employees

It was in the presence of the President of the Republic of Seychelles, Mr. James Michel, the Minister for Home Affairs, Environment and Transport, other Ministers and distinguished guests that 115 SPTC employees received their certificates and cash awards as recognition for their long years of service. The ceremony was held at the International Conference Centre on 18 September. The employees have served 10 years or more with the corporation.

The event was also a moment of reflection and testimonies over the successful services offered as well as the ups and downs of SPTC throughout its years of existence. During his address, Minister Joel Morgan noted that the recent changes in the company's management are to boost the services and also to push the SPTC closer to its vision, which is to become the country's first choice in transport services. He also thanked the staff for their commitment and positive attitude to offer a better service. During that ceremony, four staff members talked about their experience with SPTC over the past years.

Mr. Daniel Joseph who has spent 33 years with SPTC got the privilege to present President Michel with a token of appreciation on behalf of SPTC.

Visit by SPTC Boards members

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.

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.

Meeting with Police representative

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.

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.