Only 2 of 18 Bus Lines are Working as Saint Hubert Residents Protest

Angry residents took to the streets on Sunday, 22 February, in a peaceful protest to denounce a “crying lack” of bus services that has left the region effectively stranded. St Hubert protesters warned that the situation has become unbearable, with local leaders now calling for urgent government intervention.

A Breakdown in Service

The scale of the transport failure in Saint-Hubert and surrounding localities is stark. Despite 18 official routes being registered for the area, reports suggest that only two to three are actually operational.

Village councillor Nitin Jeeha highlighted the severity of the service collapse, noting that of the 24 daily trips bus companies are contracted to provide, they are currently completing only four to five.

Daily Hardship

The shortage is reportedly causing chaos for the local community:

• Education: Students are consistently arriving late for school.
• Employment: Workers are struggling to reach their places of business.
• Healthcare: Patients heading to the hospital are facing gruelling waits of several hours at bus stops.

Residents have expressed deep frustration with the National Land Transport Authority, accusing the body of inaction regarding a problem they say has persisted for several years without a concrete solution.

The Digital Solution

Councillor Jeeha has thrown his support behind the implementation of a Fleet Management System—a technological tracking device designed to monitor rotations and ensure schedule compliance. He believes this system could resolve over 90% of the current issues.

However, the timeline for this solution remains a point of contention. Current estimates suggest it could take another four months before the system is effectively rolled out.

For a population already at a breaking point, this delay is being viewed with significant concern.

Direct Appeal to Ministry

The campaign for better transport is escalating today. A formal letter is being dispatched this Monday, 23 February, to the Minister of Transport, Osman Mahomed, demanding an immediate remedy to the crisis.

The residents of Saint-Hubert maintain that they can no longer wait for long-term projects while their daily lives remain in a state of paralysis.

Source: Le Mauricien