PHILIPSBURG--Five buses at a time circulating through Back Street is the alternative thought up by the Bus Driver's Association. Whether this plan will be approved will be announced later today.
The temporary transit system was described by the Chamber of Commerce in a press conference Wednesday.
Police Traffic Department head Benjamin Gout confirmed that he had introduced the plan, but explained that he was unable to elaborate further at the moment.
Bus Drivers Association President Jose Slac confirmed that such a plan was in the making and initially had been suggested by the association. Referring to the bus rotation plan, Slac said, "If it goes the way we plan it, with as little hiccups as possible, I believe this idea will be beneficial to all bus drivers."
The idea to prohibit vehicular traffic on Philipsburg's main shopping streets temporarily is intended to control congestion and increase security for holiday shoppers. For the buses, having some access to Back Street is considered to be better than none at all.
An official vote was scheduled to be taken during an association meeting on Wednesday evening. "I don't know which way the members will vote, but when our meeting is done and we are all on the same page then we will be ready for a public statement," said Slac prior to the meeting.
He revealed that the bus association's leadership had approached the Traffic Department with its proposal last week Thursday. At the end of the meeting the department granted permission to develop their plan and present it at a later date.
The idea was presented and developed in a bus association meeting last week Saturday. A draft of the plan was reviewed by the Traffic Department on Monday. Wednesday evening's meeting was the final meeting with bus drivers before it is decided whether the plan will go into effect.
Asked how taxis would be affected by the plan, Slac said, "I have not spoken to the taxis directly. I understand they have their own arrangement with the Traffic Department. This was made before the buses."
Taxi Federation President Ottis Hughes said the taxi federation had not spoken to the Traffic Department and had not made any special arrangements for the holiday seasons. Other taxi association presidents acknowledged hearing through unofficial channels about temporary traffic changes during December, but no plans have been made, as they are still waiting to be approached.
Originally, the plan to decrease traffic in Philipsburg was scheduled to begin last week Thursday. Shops in Philipsburg are expected to be open late every Thursday in December to accommodate holiday shoppers.
As part of the police "December Offensive" initiative officers will be placed strategically to increase visibility and security, and to prevent crime during the holiday season.
Cobham Liverpool Gay and lesbian travel Family finances Lancashire Incineration
No comments:
Post a Comment