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A daring robbery on a maxi taxi along the Priority Bus Route (PBR) in Arouca, Trinidad, has left passengers and drivers alarmed, prompting calls for heightened security measures. The incident occurred on November 19 around 4:45 pm, when five men, one armed with a knife, boarded the vehicle as it stopped to drop off a female passenger near Bon Air West. The assailants stole $300 from the driver before targeting passengers, snatching cellphones and cash. Dash cam footage captured a female passenger struggling with one of the robbers over her purse, while others screamed in distress. The suspects fled northward into Bon Air West. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rishi Singh confirmed the ongoing investigation but could not confirm any arrests. He urged maxi-taxi drivers to install dash cams and trust their instincts when picking up passengers. Singh also assured the public of increased police presence on the PBR, including routine stops and searches. Passengers and drivers at City Gate expressed their concerns, with many emphasizing the need for vigilance, especially as the holiday season approaches. One driver, previously robbed, highlighted the necessity of continuing work despite the risks. Passengers shared their fears and strategies for staying safe, such as carrying less cash and securing belongings. The incident has underscored the urgent need for enhanced security measures on public transportation routes.

In a significant policy shift, the government has approved an extension of the permissible age for importing foreign-used private vehicles, including SUVs, sedans, and station wagons powered by gas, diesel, or CNG. The age limit has been increased from three years to eight years from the date of manufacture. Additionally, the permissible age for light commercial vehicles, pickups, and panel vans with diesel engines has been raised from seven years to ten years. These changes were announced during the post-Cabinet media briefing held at the Diplomatic Centre in Port of Spain on November 20. Minister of Transport and Public Aviation, Eli Zakour, emphasized that these measures aim to make vehicle ownership more accessible to the public. He also revealed Cabinet approval for establishing a regulatory framework to manage the registration and use of classic, antique, and vintage vehicles in Trinidad and Tobago (TT). Currently, there is no legal framework for these vehicles, which has limited their lawful use and economic potential. Zakour stated that the Ministry of Transport, guided by international best practices, will develop a policy and legislative framework to regulate this sector, starting with a formal classification and registry system. Addressing concerns about increased traffic congestion due to the policy, Zakour noted that vehicle ownership remains a personal choice, and the government is simultaneously working to improve public transport and road infrastructure. He highlighted ongoing efforts to revive the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC), which had 71 discontinued routes and a severe shortage of buses when he assumed office. Zakour also announced plans for a park-and-ride system, allowing commuters to park their vehicles at safe locations in Arima, Chaguanas, Couva, and San Fernando and take buses or maxi-taxis to Port of Spain. Further details will be released on November 21.

On November 20, flash flooding struck several low-lying areas in the Penal/Debe municipality, leaving dozens of motorists stranded. The incident occurred despite the Penal Debe Regional Corporation (PDRC) receiving a significant 120% increase in funding for fiscal 2026. PDRC Chairman Gowtam Maharaj revealed that detailed mitigation plans are being prepared for the upcoming dry season to address the recurring issue. Speaking at the Debe office, Maharaj acknowledged the success of watercourse clearing efforts initiated earlier this year, which prevented major household flooding. However, he emphasized that more work is needed to resolve bottlenecks caused by encroachments, fallen trees, and outdated infrastructure. The flooding primarily affected areas such as SS Erin Road, Batchyia Village, Patiram Trace, Clarke Road, and Rock Road, with Rock Road experiencing the deepest waters. Maharaj outlined plans for remedial works across all ten municipal districts, which are set to be approved at the council’s statutory meeting on November 27. Collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure and the South Oropouche River Basin project is also planned to mitigate future floods. Maharaj expressed relief over the reversal of a previous policy that delayed contractor payments, which he believes hindered progress. With 60% of the municipality located within the Oropouche watershed, the area remains highly flood-prone, with the last major flooding event occurring in September 2024.