The National Council of Public Transportation (NCOPT) has expressed grave concern over the road conditions along the West Coast route.
According to the Council, the conditions pose potential threats to bus drivers and passengers. Open trenches, potholes, and traffic congestion have made the route “unacceptable,” according to NCOPT Public Relations Officer Spencer McPhee.
During an interview with St. Lucia Times, McPhee opened up about the daily tough challenges bus drivers and passengers face.
“The council has received letters from its affiliates from the West Coast, from Soufriere and as far as the La Croix route,” said McPhee. “The road surface issues, potholes, and open trenches are a major concern. We are very concerned with the danger posed to motorists, commuters, and our passengers at this time.”
The NCOPT acknowledges that ongoing road rehabilitation efforts between Cul-de-Sac and Soufriere contribute to some inconvenience.
However, McPhee highlighted that the open trenches—many of them not adequately marked—and the worsening road conditions have made the situation increasingly dangerous and urgent.
McPhee explained that the issue has been ongoing for over three months, with the road conditions worsening in recent weeks.
As a result, he says commute times have stretched longer, vehicles are getting more damaged, and frustration is mounting among drivers and passengers.
“Drivers’ mental health and the condition of buses are suffering,” he said. “Traffic congestion is worse than ever. In areas like Hess, where traffic was minimal before, it’s now a daily struggle because of the road.”
The NCOPT intends to first meet with representatives from the affected routes—Soufriere, Anse La Raye, Millet, La Croix, and Jacmel—before escalating discussions with the Ministry of Infrastructure.
McPhee says the NCOPT advocates swift government intervention to address the hazards.
“We’re hoping good sense will prevail. The trenches have been there for months, and they’re a disaster waiting to happen. We’re speaking about road safety and people’s lives. This isn’t just about buses; this is about everyone on the road.”
The Council hopes to meet with Senior Minister Stephenson King and his team soon to find a solution that prioritises safety and mitigates the growing risks.
“We’re all in this together,” McPhee concluded. “It’s time for meaningful action before this crisis escalates further.”
For now, the drivers and passengers along the west coast route are left navigating hazardous roads, waiting for resolution and relief.
Photo: Spencer McPhee
