WILLEMSTAD.-Periodically, ideas emerge intending to bring changes to public transport here in Curacao. Many of these ideas are noble, but ultimately, they remain only on paper, either because they are impractical or because the financial costs are too high. The fact is that attempts are made to implement certain changes in our public transport to make it more effective, efficient, and also economical from a spending point of view. A change in structure and the use of sustainable energies. It is thus that for some time the Dutch research institute TNO has been working with local authorities on what they initially called combating mobility poverty so that public transport is accessible to everyone. The foundation of this cooperation is what should become TNO’s “Urban Strategy,” which makes use of “digital twin” models.
TNO states in a report it has issued that the Urban Strategy has been launched to achieve a new public transport network. From the research, it emerges that these changes have their challenges, as here in Curaçao we experience four peak hours: in the morning for going to school and work; at noon for picking up children from school and returning to work; and finally, in the afternoon for returning home. At these times, our public transport leaves much to be desired.
Here in Curaçao, we have three types of transport: large buses, small buses, and private vehicles. Large buses, minibusses, and taxis together form the daily public transport, which is not very reliable. They don’t run on time, and many areas on our island are almost inaccessible. For a long time, taxis and minibusses have had a strong position in the market and, as such, they are hardly delivered for change in a fixed arrangement. All this is a problem from a safety point of view, especially for women who do not have transport at night.
New model:
Using the Urban Strategy and with the cooperation of local partners, a new model has been designed for buses. With this, public transport must become reliable, robust, and closer. Secondly, the introduction of electric buses is being considered. Previous research indicated that this energy transition could possibly prevent the gap between rich and poor in Curaçao from widening further. TNO speaks of a “fishbone model.”
They acknowledge that the transformation of the public transport system is somewhat complicated, especially considering the legislative changes of the 1960s. Apart from that, significant investments are needed, as the infrastructure must change drastically.
But considering all these factors, TNO thought they could start with 6 electric convoys from ABC on the existing routes. In this way, they will work on the acceptance of the convoys first. At the same time, they will work on a Green Power House and the necessary characteristics for the new convoys. Over time, they will start a pilot project in an area with a low population so that people become acquainted with the benefits of new public transport.
A positive effect is that many owners of small buses could take voluntary courses on electric buses from the manufacturer VDL.
