Former Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington has been tapped to become the new chairman of the Transport Authority. (Gleaner file photo)
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Transport Minister Daryl Vaz
As part of the changes to the sector, Former Commissioner of Police Owen Ellington is to be appointed chairman of the Transport Authority.
Mr. Ellington will replace Joseph Shoucair who has led the board since 2016.
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz made the announcement Thursday during the Authority's Transportation Conference.
He thanked the outgoing chairman and board for their service, and said he will take to Cabinet in short order a recommendation for Mr. Ellington to become the new chairman.
Additional powers
The Transport Minister also announced that the pending Transport Authority (Amendment) Act of 2022 will give the Transport Authority more powers, including the power to prosecute unruly travellers on public passenger vehicles.
"This is a vexed issue, where oftentimes drivers, conductors, or passengers are abused by other passengers with no redress. The amended law deems this behavior an offence, and the passenger will be liable for prosecution," he explained.
Mr. Vaz said the Authority will also be able to delegate function but this will not preclude it from carrying out the function it delegates, "for example, if it wishes to enter into contract with a transport service operator to provide and install taximeters".
In addition, the minister pointed to the issue of congestion during the licensing period.
"To reduce this chaos and improve efficiency, the proposal in the new Transport Authority Act 22 is that individuals will renew on the date of their birthday, and in the case of companies on the anniversary date of its incorporation," he suggested.
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