COTA finalizing public transport system

The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority is finalizing plans for a public transportation system on Saipan to make sure of a smooth launch and few problems.

The first bus, which is also accessible to persons with disabilities, has already arrived and would be unveiled “most probably next month,” according to the administration of Gov. Ralph DLG Torres.

COTA would also conduct a dry run to assess the system’s routes and study the schedule, inspect where to put bus stations or stops, and determine the price of the fare.

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, in earlier interviews, is encouraging the community to consider commuting as an option in going to work, school, or in places on the island.

The new transportation system is being hoped to ease traffic congestion on the road, especially in areas near schools, offices or the Garapan tourist district.

“The [new public transport] system would be able to get workers to their jobs, students to their schools, and give everyday residents an alternative in making their way through our island,” said Torres.

Vehicle traffic usually occurs in the morning, especially in areas near schools, where students are being dropped off while people are on their way to work. The same thing happens when people are on their way home, with congestion taking place along Beach Road going to Garapan.

The Department of Public Works is also helping COTA finalize the public transportation system, aside from studying the traffic plans in gridlock areas like the central business district of Garapan where parking problems and foot traffic has also increased.

The planned route will start at the Commonwealth Health Center and would go south on Middle Road toward As Terlaje Hill at the Northern Marianas College. The bus would continue to Shell Dandan, turn right to As Lito and to Han Nam Road in Koblerville and work its way to Beach Road all the way in front of the Hyatt Regency Saipan and back to the hospital.

DPW has also conducted traffic counting in Garapan by monitoring pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Converting the Garapan business and tourist district into a one-way road is part of the traffic plan, aside from constructing a roundabout and installing stoplights.

Pedestrian and vehicular traffic are expected to increase in the coming months especially when Imperial Pacific Resort begins its operations.