New system gets nod

Paul Messam, Gleaner Writer

In a bid to protect taxi owners and commuters, Hurshel Cyrus is in the developing stages of a central database which he calls the Public Transport Management System (PTMS).

Cyrus, a senior director of ALYJAZ Business Solution and executive member of the Route Taxi Association of Jamaica, said the idea is gaining traction in the local taxi associations.

"It's essentially a computerisation of the PPV (public-passenger vehicle) sector," he said.

The director said the privately funded project — which, if all goes well, could be rolled out by end of February.

"We're currently having information meetings to explain the aim of the system," Cyrus said.

According to director, the system could be used to protect taxi owners and passengers from delinquent taxi drivers.

He said the transportation system has a ratio of almost one vehicle to an owner and is estimated to have more than 30,000 operators (owners and drivers).

Comprehensive database

"Owners are unable to control the drivers' movements from owner to owner. And, there is no comprehensive database that links all these owners and drivers so they can benefit from each others' experiences," he said.

"The PTMS will ensure a comprehensive collection, processing and analysis of data on all facets of the sector's operation," Cyrus said.

Egeton Newman, national coordinator of the Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators, supports this proposed move.

Paramount importance

"That is why driver registration is of paramount importance," said Newman. "Driver registration is the process of recording a driver to an owner/vehicle. This is the cornerstone of the system and will result in the recording and controlling of the movement of drivers."

Cyrus said for registration to be completed, certain conditions should be realised. And, included that the driver be approved by an insurance company; the driver is not barred from operating a PPV; and, that the vehicle must be PPV compliant.

"We believe this is an excellent concept to help us in cleaning up the transportation system. And, by extension, aid us in promoting road safety and travel among the public-passenger operators," Newman said.

With the proposed system, the insurance industry would have a platform to record the periodic approval of all drivers in the sector and this would result in reduced claims from PPV operators as unsuitable drivers would not have been approved.

Cyrus said the data captured would include personal data on vehicle owners and drivers, and complaints and concerned made by the public and other stakeholders to the respective owner/driver record.