WILLEMSTAD – The parliamentary faction of MAN-PIN is urging the government to make the repair and upgrading of bus stops a priority, arguing that investments in road infrastructure over recent years have largely overlooked pedestrians and public transport users.
According to MAN-PIN, while significant funds have been spent on improving roads, the condition of bus stops across the island has lagged behind. The faction is calling on the government to ensure that the maintenance and upgrading of bus stops are included among this year’s priority projects.
Many residents depend daily on public transportation to get to work, school, medical appointments, or supermarkets. However, MAN-PIN notes that a large number of bus stops are in poor condition, with broken benches, missing or damaged roofs, little or no protection from sun and rain, and surroundings that are often dirty or unsafe. The faction says this situation affects not only local residents but also tourists who make use of public transport, leaving a negative impression of Curaçao.
To address the issue, MAN-PIN proposes involving the University of Curaçao (UoC), particularly its technical faculty. The idea is to have students help design a new generation of bus stops that are practical, durable, and inclusive. According to the faction, this approach would both improve public infrastructure and actively involve young people in the development of the island.
In Parliament, MAN-PIN submitted a series of detailed questions to the Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning, seeking clarity on the current state of bus stops and future policy. The questions include how many bus stops Curaçao has in total, how many meet basic standards such as shelter, seating, lighting, and safety, and whether a maintenance and renewal plan exists.
The faction also asked whether existing bus stops are suitable for senior citizens and people with physical limitations, what criteria are used to determine bus stop locations, whether the number of bus stops should be reassessed, and whether the minister is willing to involve the University of Curaçao in the design of new facilities.
MAN-PIN stressed that improving bus stops is not a minor issue, but one that directly affects quality of life, accessibility, and the international image of Curaçao. According to the faction, safe and well-maintained bus stops are essential for the well-being of the population and for a modern, inclusive public transport system.
