The Public Transport Service Corporation or better known as PTSC is the state-owned bus provider for Trinidad and Tobago. Its headquarters are at City Gate in Port of Spain (formerly the Trinidad Government Railway headquarters). Passengers have to buy the tickets at a ticket booth and show it to the driver. The fares vary with distance. There are two type of buses: the blue-and-white buses are the regular and the red-and-white are the express commuter buses. The latter are more expensive, make fewer stops and are more comfortable.

History

Trinidad began with the establishment of the Trinidad Railway Company in 1846. The Company surveyed our beautiful country with the intention of implementing a railway system. However, the finances needed to continue with this project were not available.

Subsequently, on Saturday 5th March 1859 the Cipero Tramroad became Trinidad?s first railway. It was planters? line that passed between Mission (now Princes Town) and Kings Wharf at San Fernando. It was used primarily to transport produce from the remote estates of the Naparimas out to Kings Wharf to waiting ships. The man responsible for this tramway was sugar planter William Eccles.

The tramway was used primarily for transporting produce but there was a great demand for the transportation of workers from one estate to another along the line. A number of prominent persons also indicated their desire to commute by tramway rather than by horseback. The owners of the tramways could not ignore the demands of the commuters and facilitated a few passengers; this started the tramway?s first passenger service. It also acted as the first postal service between San Fernando and Mission. The Cipero Tramroad was greatly successful and lasted up to the 1920?s before it was absorbed into the Trinidad Government Railway.

Fleet

The Articulated Service

In June 2005 the PTSC purchased 12 new Volvo articulated buses. These buses have the ability to accommodate 115 passengers per unit, 65 seated and 50 standing. There is "preferred seating" for pregnant mothers and senior citizens at the front of the vehicle and a security Marshal is also on board. Each vehicle is fully air-conditioned and passengers can travel in comfort as they are safely transported to their various destinations.

The Express Commuter Service (E.C.S)

This Marcopolo bus accommodates approximately 69 passengers which includes 40 seats. The vehicle is fully air-conditioned and is equipped with both an AM/FM radio and CD player for the passenger's listening pleasure.

The Transit Service

The "Transit buses" are not fitted with air-conditioning units and have a total capacity of 69 passengers, 45 seated and 20 standing.

The City Service

City Service buses transport commuters to and from various stops throughout the cities of Port of Spain and San Fernando. Each vehicle is fully air-conditioned and accommodates 25 seated passengers. These passengers travel in comfort and are entertained by a selection of music

The Disabled Service

These buses are used exclusively to transport both adults and children who bear physical disabilities. The unit accommodates 8 seated persons and 4 wheel chairs and also provides a 'lift' to place passengers on board. The service is fully utilized from Monday to Friday and necessary arrangements for bookings can be made with the corporation.

The Executive Fleet

The executive bus is one of the luxurious buses owned by PTSC. There are 25 comfortable recliner seats with individual cup holders, reading lights and curtains. These buses are hired by various companies for the transportation of their employees.

The Rural Transport Service

The RTS was purchased in 1999. It transport 26 passengers which takes them into and out of the rural areas of the island.

The Champion Titan

The Titan, the largest and most exclusive bus owned, transports 46 passengers. There is comfortable seating, reading lights, air-conditioning and accommodation for baggage. It is exclusively for special corporate charters to transport international visitors, dignitaries and other exceptional clients.

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