Transit Modes: ELDAMO

An Elderly and Differently-able shuttle

  Although I see many elderly persons on regular buses and usually see ELDAMO shuttles empty while operating routes, there exists a special transport mode for members of this group. These buses are also equipped for persons using wheelchairs.
  Geography of Transport Systems speaks about mobility equity issues. However I believe that the ELDAMO bus service is a testimony to equity when it comes to mobility in Trinidad. The only issue is that when these persons get into urban areas, there is no one to aid them to get  around, although there may be few citizens who would help blind or elderly persons cross streets and assist in any way. In my opinion it is a service which needs further development.Also I always thought that these buses worked on a schedule like regular PTSC buses, however upon researching it, I was informed that they operate on-call 24 hrs and is additionally free. (Express 2012) As such it is theorized that due to the lack of awareness of the service it is under-utilized.

Reference

2012. People Ministry: PTSC must move with the time. Express, December 11.http://www.trinidadexpress.com/commentaries/People_Ministry__PTSC_must_move_with_times-182917891.html?m=y&smobile=y (accessed April 11, 2014).

   Rodrigue, J., C. Comtois, B. Slack.2013.The geography of transport systems.3rd ed. London and New York: Routledge. http://people.hofstra.edu/geotrans/eng/ch6en/conc6en/ch6c1en.html. (accessed February 10, 2014).