the Public Service Vehicle Licences for buses, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Nation…
(No. B/750) Mr S. Jugurnauth (Second Member for Savanne & Black River) asked the Minister of Land Transport whether, in regard to the Public Service Vehicle Licences for buses, he will, for the benefit of the House, obtain from the National Land Transport Authority, information as to the number thereof allocated annually for each of the years 2014 to 2024, indicating the monetary allocations granted to each new holder thereof in respect of the – (a) Student Free Fare Scheme; (b) Free Travel Scheme for Persons with Disabilities; (c) Free Travel Scheme for Pensioners, and (d) any other subsidies applicable, indicating if same are allocated for a definite or indefinite period. 67
Madam Speaker, I am informed by the NLTA that 53 new road service licenses were allocated during the period 2014 to 2024. Same includes four road service licences and 49 temporary road service licences. The three road service licences were allocated to UBS and four to RHT in 2022. As such, no additional disbursement was made to these two bus companies in respect of their seven road service licences with regard to free travel compensation and other subsidies. Out of the remaining 46 licences allocated to the individual bus operators, a total of 44 RSLs were effectively implemented and, subsequently, these operators have benefited from free travel compensation and other subsidies, namely – • Diesel subsidies, and • Other financial support which includes interim allowance. According to information obtained from the NLTA, Madam Speaker, a total sum of Rs72.5 million was disbursed for all the 44 newly implemented RSLs. As regard to the last part of the question, I wish to inform the House that the NLTA has already been requested to carry out a holistic survey to determine among others as to whether there is still need to maintain the existing temporary Road Service Licences. Subsequently, a decision will be taken. Thank you.
Yes! Go ahead!
Madam Speaker, as mentioned in the previous PQ, the hon. Minister informed the House that an inquiry will be set up according to the 49 RSLs issued, whether the inquiry has been set up, if yes, where matters stand?
There is now a new management at the NLTA and they are looking at it afresh. At that time, there was the previous management which were implied in this sorrow state of affairs. So, in due time, we will come to the House with a conclusion of the findings.
Thank you. Hon. Third Member for Port-Louis North and Montagne Longue!
68 FINES & FIXED PENALTY NOTICES – ONLINE PAYMENT – OPERATIONALITY