With Christmas shoppers in south Trinidad facing the annual $20-$50 fare for a four-kilometre trip to the Gulf City Mall or the risk of being robbed by fake taxi drivers, the Public Transportation Service Corporation (PTSC) is providing a safer option.
The San Fernando Mall Bus Shuttle Service was introduced yesterday and offers commuters designated shuttles to and from the three major shopping complexes around San Fernando—Gulf City Mall, Gulf View; C3 Centre, Corinth and South Park, Tarouba.
Following a petition for the service by San Fernando East MP Randall Mitchell, the shuttle service was launched yesterday at the PTSC bus terminal at King's Wharf, San Fernando. The service will be available on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 am to 7.50 pm at $3 a trip.
Mitchell said the establishment of South Park and the C3 Centre has provided more options for shopping, leisure and entertainment, which resulted in an influx of consumers into the city.
"About two months ago, I received the visit of a leading entrepreneur, Mr Carl Mack of the C3 Centre. Out of that meeting was borne the idea of a shuttle service that could service the C3 Centre as well as the other centres to minimise the traffic disruptions and to increase the availability of transport for patrons to visit these centres," Mitchell said.
San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello accused illegal PH taxi drivers of inflating fares during the Christmas season. He said out of 991 taxi drivers in San Fernando, approximately 327 were operating illegally.
Bus stops include the San Fernando terminus; Detours, High Street; Naparima/Mayaro Road, Cocoyea; and bus sheds along Lord Street, Royal Road and Mon Repos.