The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Minister of Transport yesterday said the Government has concerns over how the Road Traffic Department's $9 million automated system was rolled-out, and is conducting a review of the matter.

Addressing Parliament during the 2017-2018 Budget communication, Frankie Campbell said: "This government has concerns about the process and the manner in which this new system was rolled-out. I am presently conducting a review of all that took place. The findings will be made public."

Mr Campbell added that the new vehicle licensing system, which was introduced in late October 2016, resulted in long lines and numerous complaints from motorists. The FNM had criticised the doubling in cost of the new Data Torque system, which was initially estimated at $4.5 million but then introduced at a cost of $9 million.

The automated system eliminates handwritten vehicle information discs, in a bid to streamline the licensing and registration processes. It is expected to make it easier for persons to license their vehicles and put an end to having to register the same vehicle every year.

Mr Campbell added that $124,800 has been earmarked to pay 20 inmates at the Bahamas Department of Corrections to manufacture vehicle license plates. John R Wald Company Inc, a US industry leader in license plate manufacturing and distribution systems, has been selected to provide the software and equipment at a cost of $750,000, with a $75,000 annual maintenance cost.

On the unification of the busing system, Mr Campbell said three companies have expressed interest in managing the day-to-day operations of the pilot programme. The Government is aiming to kick-start a decade-long effort to unify New Providence's jitney system with a $530,000 pilot project to demonstrate how the scheme will work, in an effort to boost the island's "economic efficiency and sustainability".

The proposed unification of the public bus system is part of the New Providence Road Improvement Programme (NPRIP), funded by the Inter­American Development Bank (IDB), which also involved the upgrading of New Providence's road network.

Mr Campbell also revealed that the Road Traffic Act will be amended. "The Act, in its present form, is a cumbersome document and lacking clarity. The new legislation will provide a modern framework for ground transportation, both public and private, to promote better and more safe transportation," he said.