The hub of Transport Activity: Where it all begins...

"Welcome to the city of San Fernando. A city that indeed sleeps but is yet so familiar and vibrant when it comes to its various Modes of Transportation. Some days are of course busier than others but one thing I do know, is that the mobility of people within this city is never ending, increasing.....Its always BUSY. Let me tell you why..."

Through the eyes of this photo, at first glance, I see buildings, I see parked vehicles, I see green trees peaking through the background, I see people walking....some who are waiting on the outside of these buildings and few who go even further to enter the building structure. When I peer even closer, I see the PTSC signs giving label, giving name, identity to these building structures. What do all of these elements say to you? Why is this stamp of identity so important? My folks, in the unimaginable, this 'identity', this 'name' PTSC- Public Transport Service Corporation is a means to an end and over the years, has helped curb financial situations for many persons in the Southern District of Trinidad and Tobago as well as nationwide. With the very existence of the San Fernando Bus Terminus, persons have the luxury of mobile freedom, access to experience urban realms between cities and the right to both welcome and criticize the effectiveness of this service. This PTSC organisation is P- Public, T- Transports citizens, S- Serves the people, C- Incorporates large numbers of shareholders to make things happen.

Historically, the formation of PTSC arose long after and from the very existence of Trinidad Railway Company in 1846. Presently, it is now governed by the Public Transport Service Act. Below is a timeline that takes us through the historical evolution of PTSC to full flight:-

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• 1846- Trinidad Railway Company attempted to form a railway system that fulfilled the needs of citizens however, due to the lack of finances, the project failed.

• 1859- Thereafter, the Cipero Tramroad was established between Mission (Princes Town) and King’s Wharf (San Fernando) to transport planters’ produce from Naparima to King’s Wharf. As time passed, a new demand surfaced for the transport of estate workers along the planters’ line as it was easier compared to horseback riding. Of course, this led to the initiation of the very first passenger service. Due to its success, the service continued into the 1920s.

• 1873- The Trinidad Railway Company computed a survey that then kicked off the official construction of the railway lines from Port of Spain to San Juan, San Juan to St. Joseph.
• 1876- Marked the beginning of the very first spin to Arima stamping the initiation of T&T’s railway service.
• 1880- Demands were made for an extension of the railway line through Couva and this demand was granted.

• 1882- The railway continued southbound until it reached San Fernando.

• 1884- A service began to transport citizens from San Fernando to Princes Town.

• 1896- The planters’ line was extended to Guanapo seeing that the Arima line was doing well and was boosting Cocoa production.

• 1897- Sangre Grande line was officially opened.

• 1898- The railway line was now running through Caparo village to Tabaquite.

• 1913- San Fernando’s line was extended to Siparia due to the boost in the oil industry.

• 1914- Railway service was extended to Rio Claro. This was the last extension. By 1968, the railway line was cut off.

• 1910-1920- The first motor bus service arrived in Trinidad which was controlled by two Siparia businessmen Newallo and Asgaralli Syne. The bus service travelled two main routes: - Siparia and San Fernando and/to St. James, Port of Spain and Icacos. The bus service commenced between Four Roads and Macqueripe by Charles Ross.

• 1923- The railway service was on a vast decline after receiving heavy competition from the bus service.
• Mid 1920s- The bus service was now the ‘great vehicle of public transportation’ nationwide.

• 1964- The Government’s appointment of PTSC arose out of a report on bus transport. It involved Trade Unions and Senior Government officials.

• 1965- The public ownership of the bus industry took effect Jan 1^st. In May, PTSC was then elected sole operator of the service.

• 2013- Forty-eight years later the PTSC service, having undergone challenges as well, is still being effectively run. It has continued to provide a safe clean and inexpensive service for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.

Information courtesy: - http://www.ptsc.co.tt

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Now that I have taken you all through the amazing journey and account of PTSC's formation tell me, What are your briefest thoughts? Isn't it interesting and amazing that San Fernando played a significant role in this historical timeline? From trains wheeling on rough railways and tracks to coach buses decorating our roadways and highways in red, white and black bans of colour. I am left speechless...How about you?

                                                                                                                                         

 

 

On that note here are some articles that highlight PTSC's progression:

• http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/PTSC_setting_the_pace-121477229.html

• http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/PTSC_adds_38_new_routes-102033603.html

Food for thought: -
Mobility, the ability to move around the cities, is a fundamental and increasingly complex dimension of everyday life.
" We have moved into an era where we are not concerned with a trip to work and back but with the multiple journeys that have become not just desirable but necessary in order to sustain our lifestyles each and every day. It is not an exaggeration to suggest that much of our life in cities is bound up with issues on how to get somewhere." (Jarvais et al. 2001:2)

Before I depart guys, please comment on the following idea by geographers Tim Hall and Heather Barrett.

"Urban form is closely related to modes of transport and mobility within cities" 

In this case think about San Fernando and other cities to which you belong.

AND

For my colleagues who are familiar with this city of San Fernando, please briefly comment and share both your positive and negative experiences travelling via the PTSC service in the city of San Fernando. 

Until next week,

Shaniece.