Transit Systems: The PBR

  The following photos represent the Priority Bus Route (PBR), which runs along the east-west corridor of Trinidad (Port-of-Spain to Arima). The PBR is used to facilitate mass transit vehicles such as buses and maxi taxis, and additionally emergencies. In the photograph captioned 'PBR signage', the indication of 'Authorized Vehicles Only', is a traffic scheme to ensure minimal congestion, which maintains the rapid flow of authorized vehicles across the east-west corridor. I chose to highlight the Priority Bus Route due to a comment made by a colleague from Barbados who said that Trinidad has the best transport system in the region and he specifically identified the PBR. Also due to the fact that I traverse this route every morning to school and when I need to go into Port of Spain. It's efficiency in transportation has won it a space on this blog.

Vehicles on the PBR 

PBR signage

  According to Vukan Vuchic, authority in urban transportation, transit modes are characterized by their right-of-way (ROW) category, technology and types of operation. The Priority Bus Route may fall under the category C, urban streets with mixed traffic. He explains that ROW-C includes mostly buses, but also trolley buses and tramways/street cars. The PBR fits this category as buses make up a portion of the vehicles that traverse the route. Maxi-taxis are another form of mass transit that use the PBR, and can be described as a minibus. However category B may also be applied, as Vuchic states that this represents transit ways that are partially separated from other traffic, specifically bus lanes from other traffic, although defined bus lanes do not exist in the country. The distinguishing feature between the PBR and other highways and roads, is that buses have the authority to utilize the latter two, however regular vehicles have to apply for authorization to use the PBR, although subjective to approval. With respect to maxi taxis, the smaller holding capacity version of the vehicle (those licensed for maximun 13 passengers apart from the 25 passenger) can be seen on both the PBR and other roadways.

  The PBR is in use all day, with the peak hours or maximum number of vehicles per hour entering/passing key locations such as City Gate, Curepe and Arima, occuring between 6 am to 9am and 2:30pm to 6pm on week-days. This would be due to working and school commencing and ending hours falling into the respective time brackets.

  In the article, "Government moves for Greener Priority Bus Route", (Guardian, August 25, 2011) it is stated that the transportation sector, among others, was a contributor to the greenhouse gas emissions in Trinidad and Tobago between 1990-2006. There had been a 278% increase between that period. The government proposed a plan to reduce transport emissions. The vision for this 'greener' route is CNG, electric or hybrid powered vehicles using the PBR, and solar powered street lights and traffic lights on the bus route.

Reference

Vuchic, V. R.1981. Urban public transport: systems and technology. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. http://www.reconnectingamerica.org/assets/Uploads/20020114urbanpubtrsysVuchic.pdf (accessed April 10, 2014).