In an exclusive reveal to Barbados TODAY, the association representing private public service vehicle (PSV) owners in Barbados is preparing to roll out a transformative 10-point public transit overhaul, with landmark commitments to accessible, free on-demand transportation for the island’s disabled community and a formal bid to participate in the national Transport Board’s divestment programme.
Roy Raphael, chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), announced Wednesday that the group will soon sit down with the Ministry of Transport and Works to table its investment proposal for the state-owned transit authority. Raphael confirmed that the Co-operative Investment Fund, led by president Oriel Doyle, has already collaborated closely with the AOPT to draft a full purchase proposal submitted to the national government.
“The association has a direct vested interest in moving this proposal forward under the government’s divestment framework,” Raphael said, declining to share further details on the investment terms ahead of the formal ministry meeting, but promising regular public updates on the full 10-point plan in the coming weeks.
The plan’s centerpiece is a sweeping set of reforms to address longstanding gaps in accessible public transit for Barbados’ disabled population, a need that AOPT leadership prioritized after direct consultations with disabled community stakeholders. Raphael explained that disabled residents currently face limited options, forced to rely exclusively on the state Transport Board or costly private taxis for travel, with zero accessible PSV vehicles currently in operation across the island.
To lead this accessibility push, the AOPT has appointed Craig Banfield, a serving complaints officer, as Special Assignments Officer tasked with collaborating directly with disabled communities to remove transit barriers. During a recent nationwide outreach tour covering Warrens, sections of Bridgetown and northern parishes, AOPT leaders identified multiple systemic issues, from inaccessible bus stop heights and proximity to busy roadways to a total lack of wheelchair-accessible vehicles in the private PSV fleet.
The association’s plan calls for at least five to six of 15 incoming government-approved electric buses to be modified for disabled accessibility, deployed along a new flexible “blue route” designed to connect riders directly to key essential services including supermarkets, retail outlets and health clinics. Unlike traditional fixed public transit routes, the blue route will be adjusted dynamically based on where disabled riders reside, making service more responsive to community needs while remaining open to all general public riders.
Addressing cost barriers that have locked many low-income disabled residents out of specialized transit, Raphael confirmed that all blue route services for disabled riders will be completely free of charge. The AOPT is currently working with the Barbados Council for the Disabled to secure community funding to provide small stipends to participating drivers, eliminating any out-of-pocket cost for riders while compensating drivers for their time. The on-demand service will be available 24 hours a day, with service guaranteed whenever a rider books a trip.
More accessibility commitments are woven throughout the 10-point plan, including upgrades to existing bus stops in partnership with the Ministry of People Empowerment and the Barbados Council for the Disabled, two additional accessible buses funded through a pending partnership with the Chinese Embassy, and specialized driver training for all staff working with disabled riders. The plan also integrates disabled accessibility into national disaster preparedness: 25 licensed ZM and Z taxis will be placed on reserve for the Ministry of Transport and Works’ emergency response plan to evacuate disabled residents to shelters during hurricane season, with AOPT members receiving specialized training to assist during emergency evacuations.
To address mobility needs for disabled residents with severe health conditions, the AOPT also plans to launch a dedicated non-critical care ambulance service, operated by volunteer drivers on a structured roster. The service will fill a gap for disabled residents who cannot sit for extended periods or walk for standard transit, with two new accessible buses and one dedicated ambulance planned for launch if all funding and approvals are finalized.
Additional components of the 10-point plan include expanded access to ZR route taxi services for schoolchildren, with AOPT planning to meet with the Ministry of Education next academic term to discuss the proposal, and a nationwide public safety and security education campaign for transit users and drivers. Raphael added that the AOPT will also use its upcoming meeting with the Ministry of Transport to address longstanding industry issues including permit processing and streamline collaboration between the private association and state transport regulators, as well as discuss cooperation frameworks with the Transport Board leadership ahead of the divestment bid.
Raphael confirmed that implementation of the 10-point plan will begin within the next month, with full progress updates to be released publicly in the coming months as key initiatives move forward.