Farley Stop Punishing 'White Buses'
Chief Secretary Farley Augustine has launched a spirited defense of « white bus » drivers, condemning the heavy traffic fines levied against them as unjust in the face of a failing public transport system. Speaking at a Tobago People’s Party (TPP) meeting, Augustine argued that the authorities are punishing citizens for filling a critical gap left by the inadequacy of the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC).
Augustine highlighted that PTSC buses are limited and frequently break down, while legitimate maxi taxis are often filled to capacity with school children, leaving regular commuters stranded. He contended that many drivers operating private vehicles for hire—known locally as « white buses »—are doing so out of necessity, not a desire to break the law.
« People want to do their work legitimately, » Augustine asserted, explaining that the Licensing Department is not issuing sufficient « blue bands » (taxi licenses) to meet the island’s demand. He argued that drivers are forced to operate without the correct bands to survive, only to be slapped with fines that often exceed what they can earn in a month.
The Chief Secretary blasted the hypocrisy of the situation, noting that while the state fails to provide adequate transport or the legal avenue for drivers to regularize themselves, it readily penalizes them for trying to make a living.
Augustine also directed a scathing attack at opposition figures Hislop, Shamfa, and Ayanna, accusing them of silence while in office as these punitive measures were enforced. He labeled them « pseudo-Tobagonians » for failing to stand up for the struggles of the average citizen, contrasting their inaction with the TPP’s commitment to the « real Tobago people. »
He concluded by urging the authorities to fix the licensing issues rather than criminalizing drivers who are essential to moving the island’s workforce.
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