LINSTEAD TAXI STAND OPENED

Minister Robert Pickersgill cuts the ribbon signifying the opening of the Taxi Stand. Others in the picture are from left to right: Mr. Norton Hinds, Chairman of the Transport Authority; Mrs. Diane Watson, Actg. General Manager of the Transport Authority and Pastor Madge Boyd who offered prayers.

Transport Minister, Robert Pickersgill opened the Linstead Taxi Stand on Tuesday, December 19, 2006.

The Stand which was constructed at a cost of $6.3M will assist in easing the severe traffic congestion which afflicts the town of Linstead and its environs. Speaking at the function, Minister Pickersgill said, “The construction of the Stand is part and parcel of the Ministry’s thrust to improve the public transportation system across the island.”

The National Works Agency (NWA) was contracted to construct the facility which has the capacity to accommodate over thirty-eight vehicles at any given time. The facility will host a small Office, a covered area for commuters as well as bathroom conveniences. It will serve the communities of Wakefield, Banbury, Ewarton, Bog Walk, Lluidas Vale and Orangefield. The Project was completed under budget.

In paying tribute to the collaborative work of the Police, the Councillor, the Transport Authority, the NWA and the Ministry of Housing, Transport Water and Works in completing the Stand, the Minister noted that the effort will result in a more stress free environment for commuters, business operators and the general populace of the area.

The Minister threw out a challenge to the taxi operators to regularise their operations. He also exhorted them to be careful users of the road as they are the custodians over the lives of the commuters they transport. He also highlighted the maintenance of the Stand, saying that this would ensure its longevity.

Others taking part in the ceremony were Mr. Norton Hinds, Chairman of the Board of the Transport Authority; Pastor Madge Boyd who offered Prayers; Mrs. Diane Watson, Actg. Manager of the Transport Authority and members of the Taxi fraternity in Linstead and its environs.