GUYANA’S discovery of oil has catapulted infrastructural developments and urbanisation in recent years. Public transportation is an essential means of commuting for students and the working class every day. The current state of our public transportation system in Guyana needs addressing because many citizens are unable to afford their own transportation, such as cars. While public transportation is a necessity, improvements to it can further boost our tourism and economic development.

Currently, our public transportation is synonymous with overcrowded, noisy, and poorly maintained minibuses in many parts of Guyana. There are certain taxi services, but these are primarily available in the city areas or towns. As a result, transportation in rural areas can be very costly, as most people depend on private transport. The buses can also be unsafe due to speeding and a lack of regulations. Due to an increase in privately-owned transportation and road construction, there is now congestion on roads, especially on the East Bank and East Coast highways. This makes public transportation less reliable, with no estimated departure or arrival times expected.

While the establishment of structured and regulated public transportation will assist in mobility, it will also support our efforts to reduce the effects of climate change. When there are reliable modes of transportation in cities and towns, many people will opt out of using their own cars. This will ultimately decrease gas emissions, improving our air quality. Guyana also deserves an interconnected system that is reliable and traceable. Most modern cities utilise mobile apps and schedules to ensure that public transportation operates efficiently. All modes of transportation, such as buses, water taxis, and even a train system, should be interconnected to avoid delays.

In certain cities, the simplest mode of transportation—a bicycle—is also given priority with a designated lane. Perhaps, since Guyana already has many e-bikes and bicycles, there should be a dedicated lane to ensure the safety of those users. I urge the government to invest in these key infrastructural and transportation developments. I long for the day when public transportation between Berbice and Georgetown is no longer tiresome and hassling. I also look forward to seeing more developments for rural communities, especially those in the interiors of Guyana. While the thick forested landscape poses challenges for these developments, over time, I hope we overcome them to ensure the interconnectivity of our country. Due to the lack of access, Guyana can often feel geographically disconnected. I hope that we resolve this with the help of public-private partnerships. As we propel further in development, I hope we expand these conversations to ensure that we prepare for all the opportunities our country’s future holds.