by PHILLIPPE AIMEY

TAX INCREASES, loud music and free transport of schoolchildren on Transport Board buses dominated a meeting held by owners of public service vehicles (PSVs) yesterday.

The meeting was called against the backdrop of Prime Minister David Thompson's announcement in last Monday's Financial Statement And Budgetary Proposals that all schoolchildren will ride free on Transport Board buses come September.

More than 50 owners, from both the private and public sectors, attended the meeting from which the media was later barred.

Out of it came suggestions about more regulation in the industry in order to govern current practices.

The operators agreed the loud music on some PSVs was a major problem. The Prime Minister threatened to ban schoolchildren from the PSVs if the unruly behaviour, associated with the music did not end.

Taking a stand

The loud music on the PSVs took centre stage for most of the discussion and some owners suggested taking the situation into their own hands by ensuring the music was either played at the regulated level or the system taken out of the vehicles.

Also on yesterday's agenda was the effect that the recent hike in road tax would have, considering that bus fare has remained at $1.50 for more than 20 years.

Noting that their role in the transport system in Barbados was highly underrated, owners said there must be some sense of urgency applied to the current situation.

Some of them believed that the public's negative perception of the system and the measures taken could put them out of business.

With reference to taxes, suggestions were made that the tax should be lowered since the vehicles are taxed by weight.

Transport Board buses pay between $800 to $2 500 for road tax while PSVs pay $7 500.

The body is expected to issue a statement on the meeting soon.