Category Archives: Inside Transport Board

LEAN ON TAP

Fri
25
Sep
2020

September 25, 2020 – Bridgetown, Barbados: After a smooth start to the school term, the Transport Board is urging parents, and by extension students, to take advantage of the TAP buses whenever possible.

“Buses in the TAP are essentially an extension of the Transport Board and as such adhere to the same rules and regulations, while offering the same concessionary fares,” said Lynda Holder from the Board’s Weymouth Headquarters. The Chief Operations Officer continued, “What this means is that students in uniform will still be able to ride for free as they would on a regular Transport Board bus.”

The Transport Augmentation Programme, now has over 70 participating vehicles and has been a welcome addition to the Board’s efforts in regularizing public transportation. “When you include the TAP with the 33 new electric buses and the existing diesel fleet, bus availability is over 140 buses,” added Holder.

Commuters are however reminded that masks must still be worn to board not only Transport Board buses but TAP vehicles as well.

(END)

TRANSPORT BOARD ON TRACK

Wed
23
Sep
2020

September 23, 2020 – Bridgetown, Barbados: With the new electric buses having now been on the road for a month, the Transport Board is keeping its promise of adhering to a strict and rigorous maintenance schedule.

“As we would have mentioned ahead of deploying the buses, there is a stringent schedule in place as it relates to their maintenance,” said Chief Operations Officer Lynda Holder. She continued, “Therefore, as the buses reach their first 5,000km, they are being brought in for routine service and checks in conjunction with local service providers Megapower.”

Noting that the response from the public has been extremely positive, Holder also took the opportunity to reiterate the training that has been carried out. “We knew that introducing electric buses to Barbados would require new skillsets and it is to this end that our Quality Assurance team and our drivers have been receiving continuous training to ensure that they are fully capable of the task ahead,” she remarked.

“Along with the purchase of these 33 buses has come adequate spare parts to ensure that we continue to provide commuters with a high level of service,” Holder concluded.

(END)

 

Remarks Delivered by The Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources

Fri
04
Sep
2020

REMARKS DELIVERED

BY

Hon. Ian Gooding-Edghill

Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources

At The Handover of Electric Buses Ceremony

Saturday, August 22, 2020

The Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, Wildey, St. Michael

 

Good Morning,

It is a pleasure for me to address you this morning at this handing over ceremony of the fleet of thirty-three (33) electric buses. I will commence this address by thanking those persons and entities that assisted in ensuring that these buses arrived on the island and were cleared through the port without any challenges. These buses arrived on July 8, 2020 during the global pandemic of COVID-19. The buses were removed from the Barbados Port Inc. on July 10, 2020 and were inspected, weighed and licensed in the next few days. Thanks to all for a job well done.

With the enunciation of the Barbados National Energy Policy, and Government’s commitment to achieving sustainable energy by 2030, it was evident that the government of Barbados was committed to creating a clean environment which will enhance the health of its citizens through the utilisation of renewable energy, as the alternative to fossil fuels.

Ladies and gentlemen, as a part of that commitment, the Cabinet of Barbados mandated the purchase of a number of electric buses to augment the aging rolling fleet of the Transport Board. This decision was grounded in the fact that it had become apparent that even with an aggressive repair and maintenance programme, the challenge of not having purchase any new buses since 2006 had drastically reduced the available rolling fleet. This occurrence created an untenable situation, whereby the traveling public and in particularly, pensioners and school children found it difficult to travel to their respective destinations. The unattainable situation also had far-reaching consequences for productivity in the economy and by extension the economic landscape of the island.

Ladies and gentlemen, to redress this situation the Government of Barbados authorised the Transport Board to procure a fleet of electric buses, by agreeing to vest a total figure of forty-five million dollars ($45,000,000) for the purchase of the buses and to ensure that all necessary infrastructure was put in place, including charging stations, spare parts, necessary upgrades to the existing facilities and to train personnel among other areas of retrofit.

The Transport Board carried out the Cabinet’s directive by effectively undertaken the tendering process immediately. Firstly, the specifications for the buses were determined by an experienced group of individuals, followed by the Request for Proposals appearing in the local media during the week of 19th August 2019.

I must hasten to explain that it was felt that a venture of this magnitude should be prefaced by extensive research, investigation and detailed analysis before the awarding of the contract and that the related tender process ought to be transparent. Consequently, the Board of Directors recused itself from the process as a part of its corporate governance process, ensuring that the highest ethical and corporate governance standards were exercised.

As a part of the evaluation process the College of Negotiators was conceptualised and appointed.  This team assessed the proposals and made recommendations to the Transport Board of Directors. Subsequently, the Board of Directors met and reviewed the recommendations of the College of Negotiators and selected BYD Panama (Build Your Dreams) as the successful tenderer.

I wish to assure you that the tender process was extensive and fair, notwithstanding that the College of Negotiators had undertaken the analysis of the information presented by those who tendered. Let me reiterate that the Board of Directors ensured that due diligence was carried out with a team of officials visiting at least two of public transport operations that supply electric buses, at its own cost, to see the buses in operations at the bus companies.

Let me emphasise, the Government of Barbados, represented by the Transport Board ensured that the buses manufactured by BYD were observed in operation.  Visits were undertaken during the month of July 2019 to observe the buses performing effectively before the contract was signed.

Before the awarding of the contract to BYD, consideration was given to the fact that electric buses would introduce a new technology to this region and specifically into Barbados, thus requiring modern technical working capabilities and capacities and new repair techniques.  To treat to this issue, the Board of Directors, ensured that where possible, systems were put in place to confirm that the fleet would be well maintained through the insertion in the contract the stipulation that a trained local service provider must be available for at least the first twenty-four (24) months of the bus operation to address any maintenance challenges, including scheduled servicing.

It would be remised of me not to tell you about BYD. BYD which is an acronym for Build Your Own Dreams is a high-tech company devoted to technological innovations was founded in February 1995.  The company has played a significant role in industries related to electronics, automobiles, new energy and rail transit. From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD showed that it is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions commencing in the UK, USA, Latin America and now the Caribbean. As a part of the push for electrification in the Chilean public transport system, on Saturday, 27 June, 2020 one hundred and fifty (150) new BYD electric buses were incorporated into the public transport system. With a total of four hundred and fifty- five (455) buses in operation in Chile, BYD is firmly a leader in that country’s electric bus market, with a 65% share. Additionally, one hundred and twenty (120) units are also in Columbia as a part of a tender for three hundred and seventy-nine (379) buses which was awarded earlier this year.

Even further afield in the USA, it has been reported that electric buses from BYD are already significantly contributing to improving air quality in the U.S. and already covers more than 13 million miles (21 million km) in the U.S.

Ladies and gentlemen, the buses which are made in Lancaster, California, are operated by the local transit agency – the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) – which just crossed the 3-million-mile mark of zero-emission operations using BYD buses. Overall, the company sold buses to more than fifty (50) customers across the country and the use of electric zero-emission buses versus fossil-fuelled buses reportedly translated into:

  1. Saving over 16,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions or the equivalent mileage of more than 520 trips around the globe; and
  2. the equivalent of removing 13,000 cars from the road eliminated the need for transit agencies and operators to consume 3.3 million gallons of diesel fuel resulting in millions of dollars in savings to U.S. taxpayers, based on transit agency estimates.

AVTA, which is one of the major BYD customers in the U.S., said that over a couple of years its electric vehicle fleet “saved 769,231 gallons of diesel fuel, which equates to a savings of more than $1 million in fuel costs after paying for electricity”.

Here in Barbados, we have purchased thirty-three (33) of BYD’s buses.  Certainly, we anticipate that we will also see significant savings in fuel costs and maintenance costs coupled with a reduction in carbon emissions as the electric buses do not carry as many moving parts and are fumes free. It should be noted that based on information provided by the Transport Board, had the Government purchased thirty-three (33) diesel buses instead of the electric buses, the fuel cost to operate the diesel units would be  $325, 202, per month.

The funding for this project was handled as a separate capital project and funds were paid directly to BYD in accordance with the contract.  All additional funds were disbursed for activities undertaken in Barbados, as payment became due. This approach ensured that in the event of an audit this project would pass every level of scrutiny into the use of public funds.

The timeline for getting these buses into operation remains a testimony to the possible benefits of joint projects between the private and public sector as the committee that oversaw the Electrical Infrastructure Project was a combined private and public venture.

The deployment of the thirty-three (33) electric buses, the fifty-nine (59) units operating in the Transport Augmentation Program along with the current diesel flee will significantly increase bus availability and ease the difficulties that commuters currently face on a daily basis.

I will take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution made by the Barbados Light and Power and its principals at Emera Ltd who offered technical expertise to the members in the form of a dedicated employee to the committee.  The other members of the committee included some of the heads of the GEED, MTW workshop, MTW Planning department, Licensing Authority and of course the Transport Board.  A team was in place to implement this project and it was agreed that without prejudice to the tender process, the Transport Board would continue negotiations with Emera Ltd or Barbados Light & Power Ltd, to secure the best price for the charging stations for electric buses.

I would like to take this opportunity to give a special thank you to Mrs. Lynda Holder, who was the project leader and successfully met every objective set by the Transport Board of Directors.

Ladies and gentlemen, the training commenced on 15 July 2020 and the deployment of the units will occur from today.  I must inform you that the bus purchase of these buses is not only a policy initiative geared towards alleviating the current public transportation challenges that confront the Board. It also prepares the country for the future as such the training included not just the drivers but was extensive and expansive and included drivers, technicians, fire service personnel, ambulance service personnel and existing partners of the Transport Board such as UCAL and the Barbados Defence Force personnel.

This Government is planning for the future of the island and the next generation and therefore a partnership was formed between the Ministry and the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology for knowledge sharing and some of the instructors from that institutions were also trained on the technical aspects of the buses thereby opening another avenue for on the job training and giving a new possibility for education and exposure to our younger generation.

I must inform that in undertaking this project we have also taken cognisance of the needs of the disabled community. In this regard, the Ministry of Transport, Works and Water Resource engaged the Council for the Disabled in order to alleviate the challenges that that community will encounter due to the quieter nature of the buses and what that will mean to that category of commuter. We heard what was said and sought to incorporate those suggestions into the operation of the buses.

In closing, I want to beseech the traveling public to treat these units as though they are your own. Enjoy the ride and protect and care them. Once again I wish to thank all of the parties who played an integral in making this project a success.

Ladies and gentlemen, I thank you.

Request For Proposal – Dedicated School Bus Service

Tue
02
Jun
2020

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP)

The Transport Board is inviting entities to provide a fleet of vehicles for the supply of a dedicated school bus system, on a revenue-sharing basis. A dedicated school bus system, with enough units, would reduce bus overloading, deliver improvement in the timely collection of students, and allow for more students to have the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities.  The applicant may tender for all or any specific school as an individual or join with others to form a consortium or a co-operative to provide the required service.  If a consortium or co-operative is agreed, this must be clearly identified in the RFP.

Applicants must also ensure that they have a valid permit to allow for the picking up and setting down of passengers at bus stops around the island.

The arrangement to be put in place will require that: –

1.    The cost and risk of the acquisition of the required vehicles and the employment of the drivers for the same be borne solely by the applicant.

2.    The applicant has adequate equity and resources to absorb shocks to revenue or increased cost without defaulting on the arrangement

Under the arrangement, the applicant/s are expected to: –

1.    Provide the relevant number of vehicles on the signing of the contract and solely on the basis of the requirements stated above.

2.    Provide services between the hours of 06:15 to 09:30 and 14:15 to 18:00 Monday to Friday.

3.    Make arrangements to transport students from schools in some instances with a population of over nine hundred students, and no privately owned transportation operating in the area.

The scope of the arrangement must include for the provision of services to twenty-three (23) secondary and twenty-three (23) primary schools across the island.

All proposals must be accompanied by a Bid Security in the amount of BDS $100 in favor of the Barbados Transport Board and in the form as stipulated in the tender documents.

Qualifying Requirements for Applicants

a)    The contractor will be required in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Clauses (Public Contracts) Act. 1952 (1952-12) to observe minimum conditions of employment, including payment of wages. Each tender must be accompanied by a certificate, as specified in paragraph 3 of the abovementioned Act. Full details of these conditions may be obtained from the Chief Labour Officer, Warren Office Complex, Warrens St. Michael.

b)   All corporate Tenderers must submit with their tender a copy of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation and a Certificate of Good Standing from the Registrar of Corporate Affairs as evidence of the fact that the company is an existing Registered Company, as at the date of tender.   The certificates must be in the name of the tenderer. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THESE CERTIFICATES WILL RENDER THE TENDER VOID.

c)    Tenders are advised that the Certificate of Incorporation referred to at paragraph (b) above, means a Certificate of Incorporation issued under the 1985 Companies Act or where applicable, a certificate of Continuance and/or a Certificate of Amalgamation or a Certificate of Amendment. Certificates must be dated after December 31, 1984.

d)    Certificates of Clearance from the Director, National Insurance Scheme, the Commissioner of the Barbados Revenue Authority and the Comptroller of Customs in respect of VAT, must be submitted with tenders.

e)    The applicant must provide proof of its ability to finance the acquisitions and to withstand any shocks in revenue or increased cost. No sovereign guarantee, letter of comfort, or other indication of support will be provided as part of the contract.

f)     The applicant must furnish, along with its proposal, a letter of understanding, supported by a Board Resolution pledging unconditional and irrevocable financial support for the execution of the contract by the tenderer in case of award.

g)    The successful applicant will be required to enter into a contract drawn up on approval by the Board’s Attorney-at-Law.

The Transport Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or cancel/withdraw the request for proposals without assigning any reason whatsoever and in such case no applicant/intending applicant shall have any claim arising from such action.

The Transport Board is not responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by Applicants in connection with the preparation or delivery of the proposal.

The original and one (1) electronic copy of the Request for Proposals, clearly marked “RFP to partner with the Transport Board in the delivery of a dedicated school bus system” must be prepared in English and delivered in sealed envelopes to the following address no later than 4:30pm on Friday 26 June, 2020

The Tenders Committee

Transport Board

Weymouth

Roebuck Street

Bridgetown

The RFP must be placed in the Tenders Box located at the above address.

Late submissions will not be accepted and will be returned unopened to the applicants.

 

Tender for the Supply of Bus Charging Infrastructure

Wed
12
Feb
2020

The Transport Board invites Tenders for the supply of contractual services for the installation of the Bus Charging Infrastructure at three of its locations.

A Tender document detailing the requirements for the Bus Charging Infrastructure can be obtained from the Chief Operations Officer of the Transport Board at “Weymouth”, Roebuck Street, St. Michael, for a fee of $100.00. The Tenderer may tender for all or a subsection of the locations shown below, this must be clearly identified in the document and on the sealed envelope containing the tender documents.

The charging infrastructure is to be installed at the following locations based on the following:-

Weymouth, Roebuck Street, St. Michael – 18 charging stations
Mangrove, St. Philip – 10 charging stations
Speightstown, St. Peter – 5 charging stations

  1. The contractor will be required in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Clauses (Public Contract) Act 1952 (1952-12) to observe minimum conditions of employment, including payment of wages. Each tender must be accompanied by a certificate, as specified in paragraph 3 of the above mentioned Act. Full details of these conditions may be obtained from the Chief Labour Officer, Warrens Office Complex, Warrens, St. Michael.
  2. In addition, the Contractor will be required to possess the necessary experience and resources to satisfy the Board of the contractor’s ability to satisfy this tender.
  3. All Corporate tenderers must submit with their tender a copy of the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation as evidence of the fact that the company is an existing Registered Company, as at the date of tender. The certificate must be in the name of the tenderer. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION WILL RENDER THE TENDER VOID.
  4. All quotes must be VAT Inclusive.
  5. Tenderers are advised that the Certificate of Incorporation referred to at paragraph 2 above, means a Certificate of Incorporation issued under the 1985 Companies Act or where applicable, a certificate of Continuance and/or a certificate of Amalgamation or a certificate of Amendment. Certificates must be dated after December 31, 1984.
  6. Certificates of Clearance from the Director, National Insurance Scheme, the Commissioner of Inland Revenue and the Comptroller of Customs in respect of VAT, must be submitted with tenders.
  7. Each tender must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Tender for the Bus Charging Infrastructure” to the Chairman, Bus Implementation Committee, Transport Board, “Weymouth”, Roebuck Street, St. Michael. Tenders should be submitted not later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 21 February 2020.
  8. The successful tenderer will be required to enter into a contract drawn up on approval by the Board’s Attorney-at-law.
  9. Envelopes should not bear the name of the tenderers.
  10. The Board does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender.

Expression of Interest – Engineering Project Manager –Transport Board Electric Bus Project

Wed
12
Feb
2020

The Transport Board invites Expression of Interest for an Engineering Project Manager for a period of Eight months commencing 3rd March to 30th November 2020.

Responsibilities of the Project Manager

  1. Responsibility for the overall technical interest of Transport Board (BTB) for the duration of the implementation of the electric bus-charging infrastructure at all of the relevant sites.
  2. Liaise with relevant stakeholders on behalf of the client in accordance with the requirements of the Technical and Implementation Committees. Stakeholders include but are not limited to:
    1. Town and Country Planning Department (TCPD)
    2. Government Electrical Engineering Department (GEED)
    3. Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (BLPC)
    4. Ministry of Transport Works and Maintenance (MTWM)
    5. Ministry of Energy and Water Resources (MEWR)
  3. Prepare applications to relevant regulatory agencies on behalf of the client.
  4. Responsible for quality assurance and ensuring that designs and work are executed in accordance with relevant standards and regulations.
    1. GEED/NEC Code
    2. NESC Code
    3. BLPC Requirements Booklet
    4. Any other relevant standards/regulations
  5. Advise on material quantities and specifications for the project.
  6. Liaise with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and advise on equipment installation.
  7. Review equipment specifications and ensure it meets the requirements of the client (BTB and Technical and Implementation Committees) along with other key stakeholders including regulatory bodies and Barbados Light and Power Company Limited
  8. Ensure installation meets current and future requirements of the client
    1. Current and Future E-bus quantities
  9. Work closely with BLPC representatives to ensure the project is delivered within the timeframe proposed by the Implementation Committee.
  10. Report to Technical and Implementation Committees on project status and provide updates on any other factors affecting project implementation.
  11. Liaise with OEM on commissioning of equipment.
  12. Supervision of relevant contractors working on the project.

Experience/Requirements of Project Manager

  1. Project Management Experience on large engineering projects
  2. Must be Registered Engineer
  3. Experience designing and project managing complex engineering systems
  4. Flexibility to supervise/oversee work being executed concurrently at multiple locations
  5. Provide proof and references for recent projects of similar complexity.

Each Expression of Interest must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “Expression of Interest – Transport Board Electric Bus Project” to the Project Manager, Implementation Committee – Transport Board Electric Bus Project, Transport Board, “Weymouth”, Roebuck Street, St. Michael. Expressions of Interest should be submitted not later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 14th February 2021.

Envelopes should not bear the name of the tenderers. Further information can be obtained from the Chief Operating Officer on application.

The successful tenderer will be required to enter into a contract drawn up on approval by the Board’s Attorney-at-law.

The Board does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender.

You can download a PDF version here:

Advertisment – Project Manager – Electric Bus Project 28-01-2020 Tender

Expression of Interest – Engineering Consultant – Transport Board Electric Bus Project

Mon
09
Dec
2019

The Transport Board invites Expressions of Interest for an Engineering Consultant for a period of twelve months commencing 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020.

For full details, click the link below to download the document:

Download Document

How to submit:

  • Each Expression of Interest must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked:
    Expression of Interest – Transport Board Electric Bus Project
  • Each Expression of Interest must be submitted to:
    Project Manager, Implementation Committee – Transport Board Electric Bus Project
    Transport Board
    “Weymouth”, Roebuck Street
    St. Michael.
  • Expressions of Interest should be submitted not later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, 13th December, 2019.
  • Envelopes should not bear the name of the tenderers.

Further information can be obtained from the General Manager on application.

The Board does not bind itself to accept the lowest of any Expression of Interest.

Transport Board Clears The Air

Wed
06
Nov
2019

The Transport Board has noted the concerns raised by members of the public over the weekend by some frustrated commuters. Gena Boyce, the Board’s Operations Manager acknowledged that the Sturges route has been of some concern. “We are seeking to address all issues and measures are being put in place to address the Sturges route.” Boyce continued, “We have seen an increased demand in recent times and having already addressed the services during Monday to Friday, we are in the process of assigning additional services to this route on Sundays to accommodate our commuters. In the interim we will be deploying our smaller Hino buses to facilitate this route.”

Speaking to comments made relating to the Chalky Mount service, Mrs. Boyce remarked that a decision was made some five years ago in 2014 to reduce the service from the Princess Alice terminal to a limited service on Sundays but noted that the service continues to run from the Fairchild street terminal with regular frequency. She concluded, “The service levels for all routes are being examined as we move forward in an effort to improve our service delivery.”

The Board’s Chief Operations Officer Lynda Holder on addressing the recent frustrations of commuters, said, “The Transport Board takes pride in providing the best possible service we can to the Barbadian public. Any complaints received are usually subject to a full internal investigation and the Transport Board would like to apologise for any convenience caused to any of our loyal commuters.”

Transport Board Welcomes New CEO

Fri
20
Sep
2019

Transport Board CEOThe Transport Board has a new Chief Executive Officer. He is Fabian Wharton.

Mr Wharton, who started on September 1, 2019 brings a wealth of experience to the Board. Wharton spent several years at Cable & Wireless Barbados in various managerial roles before leaving to pursue his own business ventures.

During his tenure at Cable & Wireless, Wharton held different regional positions where he was responsible for the consolidation of the data centres resulting in a reduction in operating costs. He was also integral in the retooling of human resources leading to increased productivity and was a key component in the renegotiation of all external contracts.

“I am looking forward to working alongside the team at the Transport Board and excited at the opportunity to continue the excellent work that the Chairman, Board of Directors and Management has been doing,” remarked Wharton.

The Chairman, Mr Ian Gooding-Edghill and the members of the Board of Directors, are enthusiastic about having Mr Wharton join the team at the Board. “Fabian brings a diverse knowledge base to the management team. He has knowledge of public transport but obviously, it will be from a different perspective.”

Transport Board – Putting Measures In Place

Thu
28
Mar
2019

March 28, 2019 – Bridgetown, Barbados

Amid public outcry over the recent increase in bus fare from $2.00 to $3.50, the Barbados Transport Board is in the process of implementing a new incentive based system to assist commuters.

“We know that many of our customers have expressed some concern over the coming increase and we want Barbadians to know that we will continue to do our best to ensure that transit is as affordable and flexible as possible,” said Mrs Felicia Sue, Acting General Manager of the state owned Barbados Transport Board. She continued, “As the Prime Minister has indicated, through the implementation of this new system, commuters will see a savings in the amount being spent on travel. With this system our commuters will benefit by paying a reduced fare for bulk rides in light of the increase in fares.”

The Transport Board is currently embarking on a period of major transformation with plans to modernise its fleet with the inclusion of electric buses. Additionally plans are at an advanced stage to implement a cashless system and introduce public Wi-Fi to the terminals and aboard select buses.

“The Management of the Transport Board is extremely excited as we look towards the future, particularly as we focus on delivering a more reliable and efficient service to our customers at this time,” added Mrs Sue.