From railways to the Priority Bus Route in Trinidad and Tobago

The story of the Priority Bus Route (PBR) in Trinidad and Tobago starts with the decline of the railway service, which once served as the backbone of the country’s transportation network. The railway system, established in the late 19th century, was instrumental in connecting various parts of Trinidad, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and agricultural produce, particularly sugar and cocoa. However, as the country modernised and roads became more prevalent, the reliance on railway services began to wane.

Unveiling the story of Trinidad's Priority Bus Route and its railway roots. — *PBR, Bon Air West.*

The decline of the railway service

By the mid-20th century, the railway service in Trinidad and Tobago was struggling to maintain its relevance. The advent of the automobile and the expansion of road networks offered people greater flexibility and convenience compared to the fixed routes of trains.

Additionally, the maintenance costs of the railway infrastructure were becoming increasingly unsustainable. In the 1960s, the government made the difficult decision to phase out the railway service, with the last passenger train making its journey in 1968.

This marked the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter in Trinidad and Tobago’s transportation history. The closure of the railway system left a significant gap in public transportation, particularly along the East-West Corridor, one of the most densely populated regions of the country.

Birth of the Priority Bus Route

Recognising the need for an efficient alternative to the defunct railway service, the government began exploring options to alleviate traffic congestion and improve public transportation. The idea of a dedicated bus route was proposed as a solution that could utilise the existing railway alignment, which ran parallel to the main highways.

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In 1979, the Priority Bus Route was officially launched. The PBR is a 24.5-kilometre (approximately 15-mile) road that stretches from Port-of-Spain in the west to Arima in the east, following the path of the old railway line. It was designed to be a rapid transit route, free from the regular traffic jams that plague the country’s roads. Initially, the route was intended exclusively for buses operated by the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC), ensuring a fast and reliable service for commuters.

How Trinidad's Priority Bus Route replaced the declining railway. — *PBR, Five Rivers Junction.*

Evolution and expansion of the PBR

Over the years, the PBR has evolved to accommodate various types of vehicles under specific conditions. While the route was originally restricted to PTSC buses, other authorised vehicles such as maxi-taxis, emergency vehicles, and school buses were later granted access. The route’s exclusivity and the speed at which vehicles could travel on it made it an attractive option for daily commuters.

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Despite its effectiveness, the PBR has faced challenges. One of the main issues has been the unauthorised use of the route by private vehicles, leading to congestion and reducing the efficiency of the service. To combat this, the government has periodically enforced stricter regulations and increased penalties for unauthorised use.

From railways to the modern Priority Bus Route in Trinidad and Tobago. — *PBR, Arouca, Trinidad.*

The PBR’s role in modern transportation

Today, the PBR remains a critical component of Trinidad and Tobago’s transportation infrastructure. It serves thousands of commuters daily, providing a vital link between the eastern and western parts of the island. The route has also spurred discussions about the need for a more integrated and modern public transportation system, with proposals for new rapid transit solutions such as light rail or bus rapid transit (BRT) systems being considered.

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The PBR’s success and longevity underscore the importance of innovative transportation solutions in meeting the needs of a growing population. As Trinidad and Tobago continues to develop, the lessons learned from the decline of the railway service and the establishment of the PBR will undoubtedly shape the future of public transportation in the country.

The Priority Bus Route's journey as Trinidad's public transport lifeline. — *PBR, Arouca, Trinidad.*

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Sources:

Click to access PTSC-57TH-ANNIVERSARY.pdf

https://nationaltrust.tt/home/memories-of-the-railway-arima-line

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