St Lucia Public Transportation Research:

Bus Driver SurveysBy

Liz FerrisIn conjunction with the

Department of Consumer Affairs

Presentation AgendaBackgroundResearch GoalsObjectivesField WorkFindingsRecommendations/Future Goals

Background

Past Research

Preparation•Partnership

Development

•Literature Review

•Survey

Research Goal

To evaluate how bus drivers perceive the public transportation system in St Lucia

Objectives•Develop a survey with the Ministry of

Consumer Affairs for Bus Drivers.

•Survey Bus Drivers on Routes 1B, 1D, 1E, 5C, 5E and 5F(80 total).

•Analyze and interpret the data collected in the surveys using SPSS software.

•Present findings and preliminary recommendations.

Project Work

In the field:

Surveyed a total of 80 bus drivers from different routes in the Castries area

Section III – Commuter Issues

13 (a) Are you satisfied with the conduct of commuters using the buses?Yes No Sometimes

(b) If no or sometimes, why

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Section IV – Policy Issues

14 (a) Is there police presence at your bus stand?Yes No Don’t know Sometimes

(b) If no, should there be police presence at your bus stand?Yes No Don’t know Sometimes

(c) If yes, should there be an increase in police surveillance at the bus stand?

Yes No Don’t know Sometimes 15 (a) Are there designated bus stops along your bus route?

Yes No Don’t know

Project Work

In the office:

•Downloaded SPSS software onto computers at the Department of Consumer Affairs

•Began statistical analysis of completed surveys

Findings

82% of drivers surveyed agree there should be a central bus terminal in Castries.

Findings

• When asked if they were satisfied with the conduct of passengers riding the buses 82% of drivers answered no or sometimes

• 74% of drivers surveyed said there should be an increase in police presence at the bus stands.

Findings

As an additional comment 25% of bus drivers surveyed expressed concern about the condition/safety of the roads.

Recommendations

• Complete surveys island wide

• Code data and run a full statistical analysis using SPSS

• Present complete findings to Minibus Association and the Department of Communication and Transportation

Future Goals

Continue partnership between UVM and Department of Consumer Affairs

University level statistics for researchers

Continued training in research methods and data analysis for all members of research unit

Special Thanks To:Mr. Philip McClauren

Mrs. Lyra Thomas-Joseph

Mrs. Verlette Jn Louis

&

Everybody at the Department of Consumer Affairs