PHILIPSBURG:— On Thursday, November 21, 2024, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, transport controllers from both the Dutch and French sides of the island collaborated near the Cole Bay and Bellevue Border Monument to monitor and enforce compliance among public passenger bus operators. The operation targeted cross-border movements, ensuring adherence to jurisdictional regulations and permit conditions, with a special focus on namely the 30 Dutch bus drivers authorized or appointed to operate on the Transborder route Philipsburg -Marigot -Philipsburg.
Enforcement measures included issuing a 500 NAF fine to a driver operating without a permit for bus services. Additionally, two instances were recorded where passengers were removed from buses due to the operator’s non-compliance: one case involving unauthorized transportation to and from Saint-Martin's French territory and the other operator driving passengers with a vehicle that was severely damaged condition, posing safety risks.
For the peak of the 2024 tourism season and moving into 2025, transport control units from both sides will conduct random checks at various border points. These joint efforts aim to eliminate illegal competition, uphold industry fairness, ensure proper insurance coverage for passengers, and enhance service quality to meet public expectations and inspire confidence in the sector.
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