DEVELOPMENT AGENDA PRIORITY J: Efficient and affordable public transportation.
About priority J
- Efficient and affordable public transportation is a key consideration in developing a sustainable economy in which people, resources, and services are connected across urban and suburban centers and sustainable and livable village communities.
- Priority J is also a key pillar of Tobago’s net-zero and energy efficiency strategy.
- Regarding energy efficiency priority, J will support Tobago’s transition from a fossil fuel-based transportation system to one powered by clean energy sources.
- Affordably transportation will be facilitated by upgrading and expanding Tobago’s Road networks.
Primary performance benchmark: Priority J
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Benchmark: Increase the population using affordable, sustainable modes of transportation to at least 30% by 2035 and at least 60% by 2045.
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Indicator of progress/success: Percent of the population using affordable modes of transportation year-over-year.
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Benchmark country: Denmark.
Major concerns: Priority J.
| Concerns | Problem Statements |
| Port transportation infrastructure | a. Poor public transportation infrastructure |
| Low transportation demand | b. Low demand for public transportation |
| Ad hoc planning and delivery | c. Ad hoc approach to public transportation planning and delivery |
| Inadequate institutional framework | d. Inadequate institutional framework for transportation planning |
1.0 Selected Focus Areas Priority J?
The Division of Infrastructure, Quarries and Urban Development will prioritize affordable transportation planning by focusing on the following:
- Transportation Infrastructure Development:
- Resilient Infrastructure: Invest in road networks, bridges, and public transportation facilities to accommodate growth in Tobago’s population and enhance accessibility and efficiency of transportation services.
- Integrated Public Transportation: Develop an integrated public transportation network to ensure convenient access for all residents, especially those in underserved areas.
- Sustainable Mobility Solutions:
- Clean Energy Vehicles: Encourage the transition to clean energy vehicles, such as electric buses and bicycles, to minimize air pollution and foster a healthier, more sustainable environment.
- Non-Motorized Transportation: Promote non-motorized transportation infrastructure, such as pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes, to provide safe and accessible alternatives, particularly for economically disadvantaged individuals who may rely on walking or cycling as their primary means of transport.
- Public Transit Systems: Invest in high-quality public transportation systems to reduce reliance on private vehicles. This includes bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
- Non-Motorized Transport: Develop safe and accessible networks for walking and cycling to promote active transportation and reduce carbon emissions.
- Transportation Hubs: Create integrated transportation hubs that connect different modes of transport, making it easier for residents to switch between public transit, cycling, and walking.
- Inclusion and Accessibility:
- Universal Design Principles: Implement universal design principles in infrastructure development to ensure that transportation services are accessible to people with disabilities, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups.
- Affordable Fare Structure: Implement an affordable fare structure to ensure that transportation remains accessible to all residents, regardless of their income levels.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Reducing Carbon Footprint: Promote public transportation to reduce the number of cars on the road, significantly lowering urban pollution levels.
- Promoting Cycling: Promote cycling as an affordable and convenient mode of transportation to help individuals reduce the cost of transportation for their households, improve air quality, and enhance road safety.
MAIN REFERENCE INFORMATION
- Climate-Resilient Transportation in Latin America and the Caribbean: IRF Contributes to IDB’s Game-Changing Report
- VP outline strategies for Indonesia's transportation system
- The Impact of Public Transportation on Urban Development and Social Equity
- Anatomy of a Sustainable City: Key Elements for Success
- Cycling and Sustainable Development Goals
- Linking Sustainable Transport And Community Development: Transportation 2.0 In The Small Island Of Tobago
OTHER INFORMATION
- CDB Helps Chart Course for Sustainable Public Transport in the Caribbean
- E-mobility in CARICOM
- Building Urban Resilience in the Caribbean: Policies, Practices and Prospects
- Policy considerations for sustainable transportation in three Caribbean small island developing States: options for improving land transportation efficiency. Barbados, the British Virgin Islands and Jamaica
- Enhancing Safety and Sustainability in Trinidad and Tobago’s Public Transportation System
- Is public transport the antidote to traffic congestion in Trinidad and Tobago?
Targets and Indicators of Progress/Success
Target-J-1
Establish the Tobago Transportation Authority, TTA, by 2026 to manage all aspects of transportation planning in Tobago.
Indicator-J-1
The Tobago Transportation Authority is operationalized by 2026.
Target-J-2
Establish the Tobago Transportation Plan by 2027.
Indicator-J-2
The Tobago Transportation Plan is implemented by 2027.
Target-J-3
Procure and deploy a fleet of twenty-five (25) small and medium-sized energy-efficient transit vehicles by 2027.
Indicator-J-3
Twenty-five (25) small and medium-sized energy-efficient transit vehicles are deployed on designated routes across Tobago by 2027.
Target-J-4
Invest an appropriate % equivalent of GDP in public transportation by 2035.
Indicator-J-4
Percent equivalent GDP invested in public transportation year-over-year.
