Thoughts and Reflections...(-:

Thoughts and Reflections

Over the course of the semester, this blog was a very unique and challenging experience for me at first. However, I do want to take this time to congratulate my GEOG 2007 Urban Geography lecturer, Dr. Priya Kissoon for in this short space of time, molding us into critical thinkers, pushing us to explore a method least expected to disseminate information.  My blog sought over the 10 weeks, to highlight different modes of transportation in, around and out the city of San Fernando. The reason I chose to invest my time in transport is because San Fernando, apart from commercialism, is known specifically for transportation. It is a city that never sleeps as people are always commuting day and night. I thought it was important to inform the wider  public about the history behind most of our transport modes,  the reasons for transport and what our own people felt about transport. As a young aspiring Geography student, I learnt a lot from these 10 posts and having witnessed these movements frequently in the city, I never thought about it from an Urban Geographer perspective. My colleagues as well conducted this same assignment  highlighting different urban phenomenon and it was very interesting to see what they came up with. Three blog entries that stood out most for me were:-

Avinash Narine's blog entitled ''Mobility in the City" 

http://urbanmobility17.blogspot.com/
Morissa Rodney's blog entitled "Urban Lifestyle......" http://urbanlifestyle1992.blogspot.com/
Karina Chickoree's blog entitled "Urban Traveller"  http://urbantravellertt.blogspot.com/ 

Avinash Narine and I did the same topic when it came to observing and evaluating mobility in the city. In his case, he looked at San Juan and I looked at San Fernando but we both undertook different perspectives. What I realized was that wherever you travel, wherever you may end up, travelling from city to city is inevitable and changing. It was good to read Avinash's blog because in relation to mine, he took on a very personal approach and posted entries that were very interesting such as the Greener Alternative. It showed that he took time to notice such an alternative and suggest ways in which consumers can save the environment. 

In Morissa's blog, Urban Lifestyle, It was very interesting to see how she highlighted different aspects within cities from an Urban Geography perspective. I must also praise Morissa for her top quality photographs and execution of her blog entries. Morissa's architectural photos were amazing and she was very effective in taking you to that place when you began reading. One of her  entries that stood out to me dealt with Transportation and mobility in the city. In this entry, Morissa mentioned that mobility shapes cities and this is very true. This is seen in the size, structure, layout and movement of people. Mobility also influences the perceptions and minds of individuals as they link certain characteristics to a city based on the levels of mobility seen. This is where Morissa's view on transport struck me.

Lastly, Karina Chickoree's blog also included an entry looking at mobility in the capital city of Port of Spain. She looked at places in which persons can catch various modes of transportation like the Bus Route and Taxi stands. She even went further to look at Head Offices of transport and mobile police patrols all of which, I did not highlight much of in my blog. Karina's blog stood out to me simply because she refers to herself as the Urban Traveller. What I like most was her perceptions of movement as an urban traveller where she sought to see things solely through her lense as she moved from place to place herself through the city. I adored her passion very much for travelling. Great job Karina!

Thank you to my colleagues and international supporters who commented.

Until next time,

Shaniece Mitchell

Geography and Agribusiness Major.

University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.

2013

Giddy up Horsey!!!

I was most excited to do this 10th blog because never would I have considered or thought of highlighting horses as a mode of transport within the city of San Fernando. Of course, I remember witnessing this a few years ago, and I was very excited and amazed and eager to touch the animal but how scared was I to make a brave move. I decided from this photo to highlight the Mounted Branch of the Police Force as they are the skilled professionals who we see using these horses as patrol methods around the city of San Fernando. Hence, in this photo are two police officers conducting travel on the Streets on San Fernando. May I justify that this photo was taken by reporter Radhica Sookraj two years ago. I decided to use her photo because of the story it sells and because horses are not usually seen regularly in San Fernando to date.

                Not many persons may consider horseback riding to be a mode of transportation within the busy streets of San Fernando but indeed it is!  This method of transport was introduced to our Police Service under the Mounted Branch in the year 1851 and is still, today seen on our nation's roads. The Mounted Branch of Trinidad and Tobago was the country's first postmen and police stations then doubled up as post offices. Today, they provide patrols on a daily basis and has been part of the task force since 1905. 

                Over the years, the officers commute via horseback riding in an attempt to  control crowds at ceremonies at huge events in the city. Though one of the ancient modes of commuting for policemen, it has been effective transport throughout the years with an increase in persons becoming intimidated by the animal. Some of the duties of officers apart of the Mounted Branch have been to mainly instill and ensure order in the city, ceremonial duties of the force, demonstrations and other events. Of course, these animals and officers both have to undergo training to deal with any situation at hand. Ideally, half or three quarter bred horses are perfect for this job.

                In the city of San Fernando, there has been the presence of horse patrol in an attempt to stabilize order within the city. In a newspaper article entitled, "Horse patrols a hit Sando," two officers embarked on a journey through the city via horses, Gabriel and Hero. The article discussed how much of a stir was created as the citizens were not accustomed to seeing horses in their city. As a result, the horses drew their attention but at the same time, was embraced and touched by passersby who took photos. Sgt. Ranjit Rampersad who accompanied the horse patrols were part of the community crime eradication initiative. The Police Force was of the belief that by placing officers on horses throughout the city, members would be more receptive to them compared to if officers just sat in cars. Based on their test run, they concluded that it would be a great alternative to place more horses in the city of San Fernando. Once officers had this alternative mode of transport through the city, their jobs can be more effective with the co- operation of city members.

Links of importance :- 

http://guardian.co.tt/news/2011/09/30/horse-patrols-hit-sando

http://www.policeservicecommission.org.tt/Publications/branches%20and%20units.pdf

Until next week,

Shaniece

Motorcycle: In with the new...

What you see before you is a red motorcycle in its stationary form. However, this new mode of transport is taking over our the streets of our city. Motorcycles, when in fiery motion, can scare the flips out of you because of its blaring engine sounds and furious speed. But! owners of the relatively small vehicle purchase the bike for the purposes of work and play. I can attest to the fact that a motorcycle rides leaves you wanting more and gives you that adrenaline rush desperately needed because I, myself have  ridden a motorcycle in my lifetime! Yes, it is indeed one of the more conventional yet, risky and dangerous mode of transport but let's not underestimate its ability to transport persons in, out and around the city.

                  As we know it, the motorcycle evolved from the bicycle in the 1800s and was thus properly constructed by Sylvester Roper who became popular by showing his bike at fairs in eastern USA, 1867. This first motorbike was powered by steam and possessed the twisting- hand grip throttle control. Roper's motorcycle had a charcoal 2 cylinder engine connected to rods on the back tire.

                  The creation of the large motorcycle companies began in  1900-1955 with the establishment of six different companies creating, producing and selling motorcycles. In this order there were Triumph, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Honda (The Honda Motor Company), Suzuki (Suzuki Motor Co. Ltd.), Kawasaki (Kawasaki Heavy Industries) and Yahama (Yahama Motor Corporation.) 

                   In the year 1945-1985, Motorcycle usage had grown tremendously from 198,000 motorcycles being registered to 4,809,000 motorcycles being registered. There came a point, however, where sales began declining for interesting reasons in 1978-1987. The bike was popular in World War II thus leading to many, many sales but the events surrounding the baby boom era resulted in children not being able to purchase morepf the bike until 1962 when they became adults and they did. 

                   Then something else occurred. In the 1970s, those young adults from the baby boom era were now interested in settling down and raising kids and the adventure and risky factor was forgotten. Despite the innovations made by companies to re attract customers, efforts were futile. In the 1980s, a miracle came. Persons began purchasing the motorcycle again. Baby boomers and their kids had an interesting desire to ride again. Parents had more disposable income to purchase more expensive bikes leading to an increase in popularity of the motorcycle.

                  Even in Trinidad, we witness the trend of the motorcycle becoming nature to our country. We see now in our cities, even San Fernando, that persons are becoming frequent owners of the vehicle. Throughout San Fernando, motorcycles are seen all the time on the nations roads by themselves or in groups. Owners have stated that they have grown accustomed to the new mode of transport as it helps to get away from the heavy traffic congestion. The benefit of the bike is not only its speed but, its ability to smoothly navigate in between cars and traffic! Though it is a risky transport method men are the braver ones to tackle the features of the "machine." Even in the future, it is quite predictable that more motorcyclists would purchase the vehicle to find their way in, out and around the city of San Fernando.

Links of importance :-

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/future.htm

                  

Until next week,

Shaniece

Bicycle: Out with the old...

I remember as a child learning how to ride the bicycle for the very first time. Almost everyone can attest to the fact that riding a bicycle was the most breathtaking experience ever. From learning how to ride as a kid, to having those training wheels removed and feeling like you can now conquer the world with your skills. Also, from doing free wheelies and no hand tricks to racing with your friends. It was just pure fun and more! The bicycle is a recreational mode of transport and is used for many purposes like exercise, triathlons, business, and competitions. Today, the bicycle is used in and around San Fernando but more so on the outskirts in quieter residential city areas. But! many can still joyfully state that the bicycle was the most influential part in their childhood experience and owning one was a huge deal!

History of the Bicycle

                        The "ancestors" of the very first bicycle can be dated as far as the 1800s. Seventeen years later, the first bicycle had a padded seat for easy sitting and a front wheel that could be easily navigated by handle bars. This was said to be created by Charles, Baron von Drais of Sauerbrun, Germany. First there was the Hobby Horse (1818) which possessed two 24" wooden wheels, a saddle that could be adjusted for various heights, 4ft wooden bar and was moved by walking and coasting. This bike was popularly known and utilized by the French and British.

                        Then came the Laubach Velocipede (1869) which came with the introduction of peddles attached to the front wheels, 2 iron frames attached to the wheels, a wooden seat now with adjustable coil spring for height variations and wooden handbars and iron wheels. Because of the creation of the velocipede,  bike riding became very popular. So many Americans became interested in purchasing and riding this bicycle.  With the addition of the peddles riding became more convenient and easy. By the 1870s, the bike was seen as original and ordinary till the 1890s.

                        After, the High Wheel Light Roadster Ordinary bicycle was created in 1888. This bike was very unique as it consisted of a 53" front wheel and 18" rear wheel, leather saddle, a tubed wheel with frame, rubber peddles and friction brakes operated by the right hand of the rider against the front wheel. This bike came in various sizes and was very quick and light. On the other hand, the big wheel kept riders off the ground making it a bit difficult and risky to handle. In addition, tight brakes caused riders to take a header and get injured. Some of the competitive high wheel riders were Annie Sylvester and AS. Wieners. Due to the danger of this bike, modifications were made in order to make the bike safer. The larger wheel was therefore reduced and chains and levers were added.

                        The Smith Pony Star (1891) replaced the high wheel roadster ordinary. This bike had an adjustable saddle, handbrakes to press against the rear tire, a 23" front wheel and 40" back wheel. There was also a Smith tricycle  that had the same features as the Pony Star, just with paired rear wheels added. Furthermore, there was also the Harper's Weekly tricycle that was ridden by two persons as the two back seats were next to each other. This Quadricycle Roadster (1885) had the ability to be converted into a single bicycle.

                        Chain driven safety bicycles made cycling more popular. In 1889 came the woman's safety bicycle. This bike had leather saddles, the same 28" size front and rear wheels, metal wheels with rubber tubing, chain guards and brakes. Interestingly, as the structure of the bicycle became safer and cost effective, women saw this personal mobility as an opportunity to gain freedom and had emancipated women greatly. Within the year 1889-1899, bicycle production grew from 200,000 to 1,000,000. Bicycle transport became inexpensive and mostly used. After this, came the Iver Johnson's women's bicycle (1925), Snyder's boy bicycle (1927) Schwinn Girl's Panther bicycle (1953), Tourist bicycle (1965) and the Super Sting Ray bicycle.

                        By the end of the 1900s, the existence of the bicycle faded and was replaced by automobiles. Despite this, the bicycle was still being ridden by all ages and was known to be the most green alternative towards the environment. Though you see the bicycle being ridden in the city of San Fernando, the automobile presently has greater influence and presence. 

                        San Fernando is the city of movement visibly and persons are seen riding mostly for recreational purposes. Due to the hilly structure of San Fernando, more automobile presence is there compared to the bicycle. T. Hall and H. Barrett in Urban Geography 4th edition, includes a case study on the geographies of urban cycling. They both believed that in this time, cycling is a mode of transport that is highly uneven across space. In my opinion this is true because within the city of San Fernando, the majority of riding occurs in pockets of villages. Both geographers went on to explain that in more developed countries, cycling usage is relatively high  unlike less developed areas. In relation to Trinidad, not many persons ride bikes and this could be link to our island size, lifestyle of people and heavy traffic. In Germany, the environment is characterized by short commuting distances thus promoting and encouraging cycling. High Street, San Fernando and other hubs are unsafe areas for citizens to be riding due to the competition for space and safety. This of course, poses threat to the cyclist. More importantly, respect is given to persons who ride in foreign countries as stated in Hall and Barrett's text. However, taking into consideration the culture of our drivers in the city of San Fernando, the same respect may not be earned.

Links of importance :- 

http://prezi.com/jw-7k4oagwgk/exploring-continuity-and-change-the-history-of-the-bicycle/

Until next week,

Shaniece

More efficient for freight?

Trucks too, do have the ability to transport like any other automobile in the city of San Fernando.  We awfully find that the importance of the trucking industry has seen subdued however, its objective and purpose in this modern age still drives daily operations like any other automobile. In this case, whilst automobiles transport people, citizens should not forget that trucks transport all goods utilized within our cities. Think about it....A day without our trucks transporting our food, our garbage, wrecked cars, fuel, raw materials. What would our lives be like? 

                     Unlike other modes of transportation like cars and buses that transport persons, the truck is one of the most vital modes of transportation responsible for transporting the movement of goods from one place to another. Transport can be justified based on its purpose and  it would be biased to define its terms only in the context of human environment. 

                     The University of Helsinki states that truck transport  is a common transport mode at both ends of a physical distribution chain: at departure from the factory to stations or ports and at the arrival from the port of distribution to the warehouse of the customer. Truck transport bears the highest unit cost per km. Its use is worthwhile on shorter distances. However, truck transport may become favourable because of the following reasons: -

• Quickness
• No discharge or loading
• Trucks can be used in conjunction with trailers etc.

                     

                      Trucks are mostly seen along the Southern Main Road of San Fernando rather than within the heart of the city, transporting many items in and out of the city. The purpose of truck transport is not different from what other disciplines define it to be. In our cities, trucks are visible very often but more specifically in the city of San Fernando, trucks are a lot more visible due to the level of construction taking place. For example, the extension of the Solomon Hochoy Highway has created a living avenue for trucks as there is the constant movement of raw materials (cement, pitch, sand, gravel) and equipment to sites under construction. In and around San Fernando, trucks are known for the transporting gas to gas stations in the city and transporting goods to grocery stores.

                      

History of the Truck Industry

                      The development of the truck transport did not come too long after the establishment of the automobile transport in the 1800s. The potential of truck transport was immediately recognized and did not require as much maintenance and care compared to other modes at the time. Trucks were specifically known for the transporting of extra heavy materials and could have been relied on for the service despite whatever weather conditions. It did not take long til the 20th century for trucks to be selected as the ideal mode of transport for agricultural commodities and more.

                     From history to present, the designed usage of the average truck hasn't shifted from expected: to haul goods. However, what may have changed is that certain types of trucks have been designed to carry different kinds of materials. Some trucks are refrigerated , platform, livestock trucks, construction trucks, trucks carrying automobiles, one seater or two seater . Other trucks are designed to travel long distances while some trucks travel short distances. 

                     In the US, the trucking industry is said to be the driving force of their economy. In the city of San Fernando however, this trend is not quite the same. Our economy does not solely rely on the trucking industry due to our small size being one factor. Not to mention, we do need the trucking industry as it supports the easy transport of Natural Gas, construction materials, goods, vehicles etc. 

                     Long time ago, it was very unusual also to witness a vehicle larger than the size of a car on highways. The structure and composition of this truck was different in the 1900s to 1920s-2013. The wheels of trucks were solid rubber tires making it difficult to travel smoothly and quickly. Twenty years later led to the construction of trucks with pneumatic tires thus improving transportation journeys. Few years later, trucks were being designed with lights for better visual experiences for drivers. Then came additions of more wheels to increase speed at very cheap fuel costs.

                    The evolution of the motor truck came after the railway and despite the slow start of its introduction to American Society, trucks have become adaptive, established by billions of companies and have satisfied growing demands even in our small city of San Fernando. Hence, this explains the usage of trucks in our cities. So, when next you're driving behind a massive truck, try not to honk your car horns to get them out the way but start appreciating their presence on our cities roads. Yes, indeed they're the big dogs but they serve their purpose WELL...

Links of importance: -

http://www.randomhistory.com/2008/07/14_truck.html

http://www.jobmonkey.com/truckdriving/trucking-jobs.html

http://www.helsinki.fi/metsatieteet/opiskelu/fpm/toolbox/transport/tpmodes.pdf

Until next week,

Shaniece

Journey in the pirogues at King's Wharf, San Fernando

Before you, is the King's Wharf Jetty which stands elongated along the lush green headlands off the Western Coast of San Fernando. In addition, there are pirogues that gracefully sit upon the Caribbean Sea, adorned with corbeaux and pelican birds awaiting a daily catch. Interestingly, these birds are not the only creatures in search of fresh fish. Here, you are seeing the shores right off the coast of King's Wharf Fishing Market, San Fernando. This location is famously known for fishing activities where fishermen travel out at sea and back to catch fish to sell to customers in San Fernando. This mode of transportation is different compared to other modes as it isn't a taxi however, it represents a certain kind of movement from the shores to places of fishing activities and back. For some, fishing is considered a main and only source of income for fishermen whilst to others, it's simply a hobby.

"The King's Wharf fish landing site is located in the city of San Fernando on Trinidad's West Coast and is operated by the San Fernando Corporation. The facility is comprised of a wholesale and retail area; a wholesale auction hall, a chill room and cold store with a capacity of 2.2 tons of fish. The fish stalls at the site are made of concrete and partially covered white tiles upon which vendors display their fish or catch. Each fish stall is equipped with running water drainage and basic working equipment. The facilities for fishermen at King's Wharf are located at the southern end of the compound and include a shed for net repairs and a winch for hoisting vessels out on water for dry docking purposes." - Newsletter of the Seafood Industry of Trinidad and Tobago. (Volume 4 Issue 1 April 2011)

King's Wharf

• No. of Vessels          

46 vessels with approximately 80 fishermen operating with this site.

• Main Fishing Methods

Mono filament gill nets, artisanal  trawl gear and hand lines for banking and trolling.

• Commercial Species

Red fish, cro cro carite, 'salmon' (sea trout) cavalli, catfish, pompano, bechine, shrimp and crab.

A Beautiful story on the Colourful History of Sando Wharf

(Story Updated: March 19th, 2013)

One of the natural treasures of San Fernando is, The King's Wharf.

Since the early 1980s, the King's Wharf overlooking the Gulf of Paria, continues to lag behind in aesthetics and opportunities to become a thing of beauty.

In 1972, plans for the beautification of the San Fernando wharf were submitted to the Ministry of Local Government for approval.

Some 40 years later there are no indications that the southern city will have an enhanced waterfront similar to the one at the capital city of Port of Spain.

Instead of instituting a Foreshore Reclamation Plan, work has begun on the construction of a boardwalk.

The boardwalk will hardly provide sustainable economic development; it will, however, improve the aesthetics of the waterfront and provide opportunities for leisure and will recall the historical activities that took place there since the arrival of the Amerindians from South America thousands of years ago.

Sir Walter Raleigh, the English explorer landed at the wharf in 1595 while sailing along the shore. His visit was recorded in his ship's log in the following words, "From thence we sailed to the mountain foote, called by the naturals Annaparima." Raleigh was in search of gold. Not finding any in San Fernando, he sailed northwards and landed in every cove in an attempt to know the island better.

After the capture of Trinidad by the British in 1797, trade between San Fernando and the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe began to flourish. The then-governor Sir Ralph James Woodford, realizing the importance of a jetty in the development of San Fernando, gave a grant of 40,000 pounds sterling in 1817 to the town to construct a wooden jetty to meet the growing demands of commercial shipping.

Woodford, under the terms of the loan, had directed that it be repaid from tariffs charged for shipping goods in and out of San Fernando.

One year later on December 18, 1818, the wharf shot into the news when the steamer SS Woodford made its first commercial voyage between San Fernando and Port of Spain using the wharf to disembark passengers.

Almost two centuries later, the remains of the first wharf hang precariously at the waterfront where it provides a home for seagulls and oysters. When the Government was searching for a suitable jetty for the water taxi in 2008 they had no alternative but to find a location south of the dilapidated jetty.

As maritime traffic increased in San Fernando during the mid-19th century, Jean-Baptiste Phillipe, a French Creole businessman, formed a company in 1827 on lands overlooking the wharf, where he constructed San Fernando's first hotel.

During the 19th century when sugar was king, supplies of raw sugar were shipped to Martinique and Guadeloupe at a point where the Cipero River met the Gulf of Paria. That area then became known as Embacadere, a point of embarkation for the shipment of sugar from the Naparimas. Because of increased shipping activities the area was declared a port of call in 1837.

By 1895, the wharf had become more than a shipping point. It had become a popular place for aquatic sports. An organisation called the San Fernando Rowing Club had erected a boat club on the water's edge, and, on an annual basis, regattas were held on New Year's Day. This event attracted hundreds of visitors to the wharf.

Other activities that took place at the wharf included the annual Carnival celebrations, which were first held there in 1923. Not only were masqueraders and Carnival bands participating in the celebrations at the wharf, but there were snake charmers and stickfighters who added colour to the festivities.

All of this took place under the eaves and around a building built in 1911 that came to be known as Rodriguez Building. At first it housed San Fernando's first departmental store and was later converted to an automobile showroom owned by Neal and Massy.

Later the building became the southern headquarters for the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries.

The fish market and abattoir built in 1924 brought vendors and fishermen to the area.

For many years, animals were slaughtered at the abattoir until such activities were moved to another area. Along the way to Bontour Point, the First Trinidad Sea Scouts had erected their headquarters in 1931.

These events and much more are part of the colourful history of San Fernando wharf.Admittedly the Foreshore Reclamation Plan is a challenging proposition, its alternative the boardwalk is but a part of the development needed for sustainable business and cultural offerings in the city.

Despite T. Hall and H. Barrett not highlighting pirogues as a mode of transportation, to the fishing community it is more than valued as their only mode of transport to conduct activities that sustains their livelihood. Without fishing boats, there would be no fishing industry in San Fernando. Many fishermen would tell you that a day in the life of a fisherman is not easy. From early mornings to late evenings at work, they have grown to appreciate what they have accomplished in the city of San Fernando by supplying fish. Not to mention, they do experience difficulties with managing facilities, lack of improper fishing gear like nets and boat engines and days in which their catch is limited. But, these hard times are yet to discourage the fishermen of San Fernando because they love their skill at what they do. Many of them enjoy their journeys via the pirogues to go out at sea, even others were happy to boast about the interesting catch they discover in their nets but when asked if they would give up on fishing, they all said no. Coodos to the fishermen of San Fernando who continue to do a great job.

Links of importance:-

http://www.sidctt.com/Uploads/April_2011_Web.PDF

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/Colourful_history_of_Sando_wharf-198714771.html?m=y&smobile=y

http://www.flickr.com/photos/striderv/2750697001/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Until next week,

Shaniece

Maxi Taxi: As dated as the 1970s...

"Mam, a day for me using de maxi taxi service is not ah easy one, especially when I wuk so far from home. No no no no no, I'm not from San Fernando inno. I come from Cedros Village every mornin' hopin' to catch a maxi from Point Fortin to San Fernando......I wukkin' security in Point Lisas inno Mam. So after I take ah Point-Sando maxi is den tuh walk tuh de top  ah High Street and ketch de van tuh go Point Lisas..............I have tuh wake 4:00 am 3 times ah week an' ah lucky if it doh have rush on mornings to reach Sando or even when I have tuh travel back home whooo sah!! It does be pressah. Yuh does just have tuh hope uh ketch de maxi on time or if not ketch de maxi tuh go home if it have.......Oda dan dat mam, de service ain' too bad na!"- ANONYMOUS

                        The maxi taxi stand stirs this week's focus as a very popular mode of transportation that travels in, around and out the city of San Fernando. After its establishment in 1971, the maxi taxi service has continued to transport citizens to and from various locations in the Southern District. The maxi taxi stand that is located on the Wharf in San Fernando is responsible for transport routes from San Fernando to Point Fortin and back as well as from San Fernando to Penal and back. It is very important to note that the maxi taxis make intermittent stops before they reach their final destinations. Unlike the PTSC bus service that transports passengers to and from major hot spots without going off route.

                        Maxi Taxis provide a private service and is ran all over Trinidad and Tobago. These buses are easily identified by their stripes as it represents various route destinations. Not to mention this service caters to middle income and low income citizens who do not have the luxury of owning a vehicle or perhaps simply enjoy utilizing the service regardless.

Maxi taxis or mini buses and vans are privately owned and are an easy and affordable way to explore the islands. There are two sizes of Maxi taxis seating 12 or 24 persons. The coloured bands on the sides identify maxi taxis' fixed route.

• Yellow Band or Route 1 Maxi Taxis cover the western end of the island including Chaguaramas, Petit Valley and Diego Martin. The hub for this service is based in a fenced compound at the corner of St Vincent Street and South Quay, Port of Spain. Fares range from TT$3 to TT$10
• Red Band or Route 2 Maxi Taxis travel the eastern route from Port of Spain to as far east as Sangre Grande. The hub is based at City Gate, South Quay, Port of Spain and fares range from TT$3 to TT$8
• Green Band Maxi Taxis ply the Port of Spain to Chaguanas route and some cover other areas in Central Trinidad. Based at City Gate, this service costs TT$5.
• Black Band Maxi Taxis cover the southern parts of the island and from Chaguanas travel to Princes Town.
• Brown Band Maxi Taxis operate between San Fernando and communities on the southwest of the island.
• Blue Band Maxi Taxis cover the island of Tobago.
• Maxi taxis follow set routes, but no timetable, and after 9pm this form of transport is unreliable.

                                                                           

Any frequent traveler of the maxi taxi service in San Fernando can tell you that the Wharf is a place with a culture of its own. Vendors look out for each other in sales and maxi taxi conductors assist each other in filling up maxis. Some even go further to tell you, " Doh worry miss de maxi comin' just now, he reach La Romaine." Having experienced such a service I can attest to the fact that no travel day to and from San Fernando is ever a dull one. Be sure to know however, that with these maxi taxi drivers you are sure to reach your destination early with the few additions of a racing heart, blown out hair or ruffled clothing. Apart from this, one of the reasons for the successes of maxi taxi transportation is mainly because there is no other competitive alternative.

Feel free to comment and share your humorous or interesting stories whilst travelling to and from San Fernando via the maxi taxi.

Links of importance:-

http://gotrinidadandtobago.com/travel-information/getting-around/

http://www.tntisland.com/taxi.html

http://www.trinidadandtobagonews.com/blog/?p=168

Until next week,

Shaniece

High Street: A pedestrian street?

What you see before you is the major hub spot in the center of San Fernando, where consumers feel comfortable enough to spend a well earned dollar. This is what High Street looks like at 5:30 p.m. in the afternoon. High Street, San Fernando is the home of the common pedestrian. It's a place of high commercialism: where the fast rate at which things are sold is the same rate at which they are bought. It is very common at any day of the week to see High Street in its busiest state, not only in terms of business activity but in terms of seeing pedestrians walk the street......Welcome again, to the city of San Fernando where the most traditional means of transport takes place. Yes, let me remind you what its like to appreciate travelling by foot.

Many may wonder what sparks all the movement along High Street and the answer is quite simple. Along High Street lies evidence of a wide range of commercial activity with businesses ranging from economic to cuisine, clothing to household appliance and education to transport. Historically, most of the plains of San Fernando land was utilized for the growth of sugarcane. It was Jean Baptiste Jaillet who established the first sugar cane estate in San Fernando. After sometime, however, he sold out land divided into plots (which stretched from High Street to St. James Street.) even land that was reserved. Eventually, the growth of the sugar cane industry led to the development of San Fernando as an acquired borough and now the second largest city in the country.

Due to High Street's growth in commercialism and development, the location has been able to provide the best deals and best prices to customers within and out of the city of San Fernando. Looking on at its progression and transition from the 1890s to now, High Street has become more diverse and cultural. It has managed and continued to facilitate an environment for the constant movement of people and has created spatial entities that holistically describe the so called pedestrian street. On this busy street, persons move from store to store, maxi taxi stand to another, workplace to home and from school into the city.

                  According to the "North Carolina Department of Transportation", Walking is the oldest form of transportation although, since the industrial era, there has been a trend of walking less and driving more. Recent history indicates a resurgence in walking- more people recognize it as a good way to improve their health, make short trips and get  more in touch with their environment/ surroundings. Even when using other forms of transportation to get where you need to go, every trip begins and ends as a pedestrian. Walking can be a fun and healthy mode of transportation that puts us in touch with our surroundings whether we are travelling to our destinations or connect to other transportation modes. With regards to High Street and the number of activities that occur there, most pedestrians and customers travel by foot from place to place reasons being to reduce traffic congestion, to experience consumer to consumer relations, enter shops and make hands on purchases, cost effectiveness and improve the overall proportion of space per traveler.

Is High Street a pedestrian street?

                 Dennis Soderholm did his master's thesis on the commercial structure of pedestrian streets and shopping districts in Finland. He believed that pedestrian streets have been an important part of revitalizing inner city areas since the 1960s and that pedestrian streets were becoming more common as late as the 1980s and 1990s. Soderholm stated that many see pedestrian streets as primarily visual improvements of the inner city, a street with higher standard regarding street paving and funiture than a normal street, apart from the fact that there are no cars on it. However, the commercial nature of pedestrian streets is the driving force behind pedestrianizing streets.

                On High Street however, this description is applicable to a extent. Yes, it is a place of commercial activity, yes, it is also busy with pedestrians commuting from place to place, yes, it revitalizes inner city areas but High Street is far from representing visual improvements of the inner city. Ideally, the opposite applies. Pedestrian streets are aesthetically designed unlike High Street which is often times unclean and filled with traffic.

                Consumers who travel by foot from one store front to another do not have the best sidewalks to walk on and there is constant battle for space as vehicles are also allowed access into this zone. One of the major reasons for this is, there are various taxi stand locations. Moreover, there are street dwellers and pollution. Obviously, High Street does possess some of the characteristics of a pedestrian street. It is also very important to note that Finland is a more developed setting compared to Trinidad and Tobago making it okay to accept the disparities in the structure of such streets.

                Expanding further on Dennis' research, car usage was increasing more and more with time. In response to this car free streets were constructed because consumers liked the luxury of having streets to themselves where they were able to work to walk  and be free. Thus in the Netherlands and Germany pedestrian streets were purposely constructed an an escape for consumers  High Street, in contrast, evolved due to expansion and transition away from the sugar cane industry.

Newspaper article about the history of High Street:-

The Bustling Heart of San Fernando

http://guardian.co.tt/columnist/2013-02-17/bustling-heart-san-fernando

Other websites of interest

https://helda.helsinki.fi/bitstream/handle/10138/29008/thecomme.pdf?sequence=1

http://www.ncdot.gov/bikeped/travelingfoot/

http://www.triniview.com/san_fernando/040507.html

In closing,

"A pedestrian street is a linear space between buildings where only pedestrian traffic is allowed for various activities"-Dennis Soderholm

Until next week,

Shaniece

Car Mobility in San Fernando: The most valued source of transport, yet!

" The levels of car based mobility in cities vary greatly around the world. Generally, more densely populated cities tend to be characterized by lower levels of car use (fuel consumption). As population density in cities increases, fuel consumption per person drops, car use drops and use of alternative modes of transport increases...This strong inverse relationship between car use and urban population density underpins much compact city advocacy as a route to the promotion of more sustainable urban mobility."- Tim Hall & Heather Barrett.

                      The aforementioned photo depicts/ reflects the daily activities that usually occur along the Southern Main Road specifically at the Bamboo junction and intersection in the city of San Fernando. This level of heavy traffic usually occurs around rush hours on afternoons between Monday to Friday due to major businesses at Gulf City Mall, in La Romaine and on High Street etc. preparing to close down business for the day and employees who work at neighbouring industries like Petrotrin and light manufacturing places wanting to leave the city. I am very confident that the cars which are trapped in regular pile ups along this junction do not always belong to dwellers in the city of San Fernando. The Southern Main Road has always acted as a major transport route linking citizens from all over the country who want to enter/ leave San Fernando to go as far as Port of Spain and as far as Point Fortin.  At such times, vehicular drivers are trying their utmost best to "get out" of the hustle and bustle that takes places along this specific road stretch at evenings. The sun has almost set; however, as seen in the picture, persons are still stuck in congested traffic departing San Fernando. In my opinion, this visual is not as bad compared to other days where northern, southern, eastern and western lanes at this intersection are completely jammed with cars.

                       In the lane that is entering San Fernando, we can notice that traffic pile up is much less compared to the traffic exiting the city. Many may wonder why and if you have not yet attempted to peer closer into the picture, the solution can be easily derived. Beyond the city of San Fernando there is no other city existing. There are in fact small communities that are evolving therefore sparking business activity which have resulted in mild traffic pile ups. The next best “city-like” areas along the Southern Main Road are Oropouche, the home of one of the fishing industries in Trinidad, Rousillac and then the borough of Point Fortin. As a result, the movement of vehicular traffic run rather smoothly at that time of day. On the contrary, when the sun rises and everyone is rushing to the city, the traffic congestion is very time consuming to endure. According to Tim Hall and Heather Barrett in "Urban Geography 4th Edition," movement in and around the city, in the Global North at least, was increasingly dominated by the car. Passenger modes of transport by car in 1952 was 27%, 1975- 76%, 2000- 85% and 2007-84%. Based on that information, there was an increase in car transportation making it a popular mode of transport. Here in the Global South, the pattern is no different. In Trinidad and the city of San Fernando, many persons own and drive vehicles daily hence contributing to the vast increase in traffic congestion within cities.

                       Of course, drivers have been left with the option of increasing their fuel consumption and endure traffic or use alternative modes of transport. In the city, the population density is in fact relatively high and there are instances where persons use alternative modes of transport (PTSC Bus service, maxi-taxi, water taxi, motor cycle) to get from one place to another. Even persons with cars have utilized these alternatives but there are still dwellers that prefer to use their vehicles as a means of transport and immediate convenience. Interestingly, Tim Hall and Heather Barrett proceeded even further to discuss the impacts of car based mobility in cities. They described that car mobility has generated a range of negative environmental, health, economic and social impacts in the case of high and middle income car usage versus low income non-users. 

                   More applicable to San Fernando car usage have placed environmental strains on the city:-

•  Road Traffic has typically been  a major cause of air pollution in cities and what Trinbagonians are non-chalant and uninformed about is that poor air quality in cities can be linked to a number of health problems among urban populations including respiratory disease and lung cancer. For example from exhaust fumes and car leakages. (Stutz 1995)

• T. Hall and H. Barrett mentioned that there are also social environmental impacts resulting from car mobility. Road traffic is a major cause of death and injury in cities. (Short and Pinet- Piralta) Again this falls disproportionally upon non-car users eg. pedestrians, adolescents and children. (Newman 1999:177) Car crashes, road injuries and fatalities carry significant economic and social costs to persons involved.

On that note:-

Furthermore, Hall and Barrett made reference to social spaces of city life being affected by the increasing dominance of the car. In cities of the Global North, an increasing proportion of urban land is being given over to the car. Immediately I thought about how applicable this fact is to the city of San Fernando. Galconda is a community on the outskirts of San Fernando and also marks the beginning of the extension of the Solomon Hochoy Highway to Point Fortin. This expresses a way in which good environmental space is being reserved for the main usage of transport including car mobility. Whilst Hall and Barrett discussed utilizing social space for car usage in a somewhat negative light, development is necessary for the progress of transport in the southern city of San Fernando.

In response to curbing car usage in cities Newman (1999) pointed out that:-

• Planning for successful car reduction needs to take place at the city scale.
• Cities must provide even more extensive transport networks.
• Urban design and retail revitalization should aim to make the public realm attractive and safe to encourage walking and cycling.
• Restrictions should be placed on car use, either through financial or physical access measures.

How effective do you think these combat measures may work in your own city where you live? 

What are some other ways in which you think traffic congestion can be reduced?

Most importantly, do you share the same thoughts Newman shares? or Do you refute them. Please state why...

Here are some links that discusses traffic plans and solving traffic congestion in the city:-

http://guardian.co.tt/news/2011/11/30/new-traffic-plans-next-monday

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/letters/Solving_the_problem_of_traffic-135365123.html

Until next week,

Shaniece.

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