SPTC takes added measures in the wake of COVID-19 |27 March 2020

Ms Sophola and Mr Julie speaking to the press yesterday (Photo: Thomas Meriton)

With the ongoing crisis described as a pandemic caused by the coronavirus and which is going into its first month, the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation has been working with the department of health to aid in the effort of reducing transmission.

To give an update on the new measures it is taking, the transportation company hosted a press conference yesterday morning at the International Conference Centre of Seychelles (ICCS) led by Maxwell Julie, deputy chief executive of SPTC, and Bernadette Sophola, general manager for operations.

Ms Sophola noted that there will be changes in bus schedule as from today March 27, with the last bus leaving the Victoria terminal and other depot at 7pm.

The general manager said this is being done because they have observed that not many commuters are using the bus at this hour.

She also added that for Saturdays they will use the Sunday bus schedule with limited buses operating.

“Our drivers have been asked not to fill up the bus with passengers and manage their buses so that there is a good distance between each passenger,” said Ms Sophola.

She remarked that it is also the responsibility of commuters to avoid filling the bus but rather choose to take one that does not have so many people.

When it comes to social distancing at the terminal, Mr Julie said they have started marking the distance on benches for commuters as well as placing posters on buses and around the terminal to explain the public about the precautions they must take.

Additionally with this they are also using the PA system to remind people to practice social distancing.

The drivers are also being given equipment so that they can disinfect the bus during the day as well.

When it comes to helping the ministry with contact tracing in the event of the outbreak, Mr Julie said they won’t be able to help in identifying passengers as most of their buses do not have cameras on them.

Last week, SPTC announced that they will be going cashless and Mr Julie noted that they are satisfied with the number of people who have already come to their Victoria office to get a card.

He added that in order for them to get everyone on this new system they will be decentralising the operation where commuters can get and recharge their cards at designated areas such as Beau Vallon, Anse Royale and Port Launay depots.

The cash system will work alongside the cards until SPTC announces otherwise.

Mr Julie also noted that since some parents have been given leave to stay with their children there has been a decrease of 30 percent of commuters travelling on the bus.

On SPTC’s part, it has given leave to 40 percent of its staff as well as allowing its support staff the opportunity to work at home.

In case there is a lockdown, Mr Julie said the company will follow the instructions given by the department of health and if SPTC will operate it would be only for small regional operations for people to go to essential places such as shops, but all this will depend on the direction given by the health department.

Christophe Zialor