Madam Speaker, I am informed by the National Land Transport Authority that some 22 buses of the United Bus Service Ltd operate along route 45, which runs between Albion and Rose-Hill. According to the established timetable, these buses operate at a frequency of 10-20 minutes whereby the first bus from Albion and Rose- Hill leaves at 05:45 in the morning, while the last bus from Albion and Rose-Hill leaves at 17:40 and 19:00 hrs, respectively. According to the NLTA, two complaints have been filed at its office as of date regarding the lack of buses along route 45. Moreover, the hon. Quirin had drawn my attention, and my ministry had looked into the matter previously as well. It is to be highlighted that the NLTA inspectorate has observed that the UBS buses along route 45 are operating at intervals of 20-30 minutes instead of 10-20 minutes as set out in the established timetable, hence the hue and cry. Madam Speaker, I wish to point out that despite fewer trips being carried out by the buses of the UBS, the latter is being paid the same quantum in respect of the free travel compensation by the NLTA. Given that the same is a monthly fixed amount calculated based on 80% of the operator’s fleet, this is not normal. I will explain later in the same reply what I intend to do in five steps. With regard to the unsatisfactory level of service along route 45, Madam Speaker, a meeting was held on 19 February 2025 at the level of the NLTA with the representatives of the UBS whereby it was imparted that the main course entailing irregular bus service thereat was the lack of drivers. I wish to point out that the issue of shortage of crew has been highlighted by most bus operators, and my ministry has already initiated consultations with

57 stakeholders, including with the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations, with a view to expediting the recruitment of foreign labour in the transport sector while considering the streamlining of procedures thereof. Moreover, like I mentioned in this House during previous sittings, the problem of the poor level of bus service is occurring along several routes around the island, and I listed several mitigating measures which included – (i) The introduction of a Fleet Management System. I had explained in great detail previously what it is all about, but this will take some time. (ii) Meanwhile, the Memorandum of Understanding – this is what I meant earlier – relating to the payment of free travel compensation which was signed between the NLTA and the bus operators in 2005 will be reviewed in the interest of the travelling public subject to a government approval such that payment will be a trip-based system rather than a daily-based one. So, this is what I can do in order to pressurise the bus operators to work harder; (iii) The road service licence of operators not providing services as per the conditions of their licences will be revoked, and section 77D of the Road Traffic Act will be used to have new players; (iv) The inspectorate of the NLTA, which is currently devoid of such officers, will be strengthened with Management Support Officers pending a substantive recruitment exercise of inspectors to ensure a higher NLTA presence along bus routes to help out, and (v) Consultations are ongoing with bus operators to acquire new buses and avail of the incentive provided under the bus modernisation programme. Meanwhile, Madam Speaker, I have urged the NLTA inspectorate to ensure close monitoring of the operations of the UBS buses along route 45.

Thank you, Minister. Yes?

Merci, Madame la présidente. L’honorable ministre est parfaitement au courant de la situation et, d’après les informations qui me sont parvenues (et l’honorable ministre, dans sa réponse, en a fait état), les compagnies qui desservent cette route ne sont pas en mesure de respecter les horaires ; ce qui fait que cela cause pas mal de problèmes pour les étudiants le matin, pour ceux qui vont au travail aussi. Donc, je peux comprendre que

58 l’honorable ministre est coincé quelque part, il n’a pas toutes les solutions à ce jour, mais, dans l’immédiat, comment faire, Madame la présidente, pour donner satisfaction, pour éviter que cette situation continue à dégénérer ? Est-ce que l’honorable ministre pourrait, dans un premier temps, nous dire quelles sont les mesures correctives immédiates qui pourraient être prises ?

Yes, Minister?

Yes, like I said in my reply, Madam Speaker, as an interim measure, pending the arrival of the Fleet Management System which will put good order in the House, I am asking the Ministry and the NLTA to review the Memorandum of Understanding, which is a de facto payment on a daily basis. This is not normal. So, if we have them paid on a trip basis, they will have to work.

L’honorable ministre est-il disposé à considérer – et je vais lui partager cette proposition des usagers – qui suggèrent que le terminus pour les bus d’Albion-Rose Hill et de Rose Hill-Albion se fassent à la gare de la Place Margeot au lieu de la place Darès Salaam à Rose Hill, cela afin de faciliter – j’espère que l’honorable ministre me comprend – la mobilité des personnes du troisième âge et des usagers en général. Et aussi, de considérer la possibilité, Madame la présidente, d’une ligne directe Beau Bassin-Albion et vice versa, car les habitants rencontrent trop de problèmes par rapport aux connections.

Yes, as regards the first part, the change of location in the interest of the senior citizens, I can certainly look into it. As regards the second proposition, depending on the availability of buses I just mentioned, the big challenge is having drivers, which is a rare competence now, seemingly. So, I will definitely look into it and discuss it with the Member.

Thank you, hon. Minister. C’est bon? Thank you, now we have the hon. Second Member for Vieux Grand Port and Rose Belle! ᠎GRAND PORT DISTRICT COUNCIL – FOOTBALL PITCHES – LIGHTING FACILITIES