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Carpooling, better signage suggested to lessen traffic
by The Daily Herald
Posted: Mar 1, 2006 15:11 UTC
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PHILIPSBURG - The escalating traffic congestion on the island’s roads is causing a decrease in the quality of life for residents and the visitor experience. This premise prompted a brainstorming session Tuesday to obtain possible solutions from representatives of government departments and the private sector.
St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) Traffic Forum’s springboard was the ideas in the association’s draft White Paper on Traffic, which covered carpooling and easier payment of bills to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
The ideas from the session, held at Divi Little Bay Resort and moderated by SHTA Marketing Director May Ling Chun, will be collated in a Traffic Position Paper that will form the basis for traffic improvements to be enforced by government or steps the community can take to lessen the problem.
Carpooling and better signage to guide visitors and residents will cut down on the number of vehicles on the roads and allow for smooth travel from one destination to another. These were two of the ideas a group of attendees came up with.
Speaking on behalf of her table, SHTA project manager Giselle Dirckx added that a ferry service to some areas of the island could be considered as long as the impact on the marine environment was considered. Walking around Philipsburg was also seen as an alternative.
A better and more organised public transportation system could greatly impact the traffic situation, Head of the island’s Projects and Programme Bureau Louis Brown shared from his group’s discussions.
More workable bus stops, better serviced routes and reliability would make public transport attractive to residents who might then be enticed to forgo their cars for the bus, he added. Facilities to pay bills at commercial centres in densely populated areas are also an option, as residents would not need to use the main roads at peak traffic hours.
“A drastic idea of one car per family” was considered by the group of which hotelier and SHTA Director Robert Dubourcq was part. While this would cut down on the number of vehicles on the road, it would be a tough pill to follow, he added. This suggestion will depend on the reliability of public transportation. A shuttle service from the University parking lot into Philipsburg was also explored.
Varying school start and end times, especially in South Reward, will help to phase the flow of traffic in the area instead of continuing the nerve-numbing traffic jams in that area daily, SHTA representative Cherryl Williams reported from her group. Opening times of John Sainsborough Lejuez Bridge in Simpson Bay that do not hold up peak hour traffic was also discussed.
SHTA president Emil Lee told participants in his opening address that the congestion on the roads was visible to residents and tourists, and that everyone could relate to it and how their lives are affected.
The session report will be sent to participants, said Environmental Development and Property Management Commissioner Roy Marlin who recently initiated a traffic flow study, and to the consultants carrying out the study, who were also present.
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