New Age Requirements for PPVS

The Transport Authority has implemented age requirements for public passenger vehicles (PPVs) under new standards for public land transportation effective July 1.

Communications and Customer Services Manager at the Transport Authority, Petra-Kene Williams, told JIS News that several fit and proper criteria have been implemented, aimed at ensuring the safety of the commuting public and that the highest safety standards are observed.

For new vehicles entering the pool, cars must be 12 years or less, minibuses and mid-size buses must be 15 years or less and buses must be 25 years or less to be eligible for licensing as PPVs.

“Only renewals will be accommodated for cars older than 12 years, minibuses or mid-size buses older than 15 years, and buses older than 25 years. Older vehicles will not be accepted for new applications,” Miss Williams said.

“Structural Integrity Tests administered by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) will be required for cars 12 years or older, minibuses 15 years or older and buses 25 years or older”, she added.

The implementation of age requirements comes against the background of a recent pilot project by the ITA, which revealed that many vehicles in the sector over a certain age have structural defects. These include damage to the frame, undercarriage, or chassis.

Miss Williams explained that ITA examiners have observed signs of major repairs on inner fender structures, reattached chassis numbers, constantly illuminated safety restraint lights and resealed air bag covers.

She said based on the findings it is necessary to implement the measures to ensure the safety of the commuting public.