2.2 Focus Group Bus Drivers

2.2 Focus Group Bus Drivers

Three focus groups were held with autobus drivers (B), the participants consisted of 6 females and 7 males. Ages ranges from 35 to 63 years old. Participants shared that in the past DOPV (Currently DTP) would ask passengers to get off the bus in front of hotels, this does not happen anymore. One participant stated that employers encourage the pirate transportation. And that according to them, T and O are being used for rental houses and apartments. There was one participant that mentioned introducing a tip line for pirate transportation incidents. Participants also mentioned that it is more common on specific routes e.g., from the church in Oranjestad to the North area or vice versa. Another statement that was made was that in front of RIU there are many A-vehicles (passenger / privately owned) that drive around and pick-up employees. These are suspected to be pirate drivers. Participants also mentioned that the pirate transportation rates are lower than the taxi rates, but not much different from the autobus rate and they pick you up at home and drop you off in front of your destination. One of the participants suggested putting extra bus stops in the more densely populated neighborhoods. Participants shared that there are different types of autobus permits, namely big (grote) auto bus and small (kleine) autobus. A participant mentioned that DTP does not have authority to do anything about the pirate transportation, they cannot give them a fine, only the police can do that. Another one mentioned that whistleblowers get reprimanded. One participant suggested to do mystery shopping by calling the pirate transportation numbers and exposing them during the act. It was also mentioned that sometimes the T and O companies drop off cruise passengers at Eagle Beach and leave them stranded, even though they were charged beforehand. All participants agreed that they do not think there should be more buses. The peak hours are from 3-5pm. The participants also stated that there is an unequal market with Arubus, because the Arubabus services are promoted on the cruise ships at a special rate of $2.50 for tourists. This takes away from the autobuses on that route.

It was also mentioned that their income has decreased, there is a lot of traffic and the flow of passengers. More locals make use of the small autobuses. The participants state that there is no need for more auto bus permits, business is difficult as it is. Participants also said that DOW took away the bus stops and replaced with taxi stands, this is not optimal for the autobus vehicles. Some participants suggested a central bus station that goes to all districts. In addition, they mentioned that the O permits are affecting the autobus business. They also mentioned that DTP does not have enough personnel or authority to issue control, and they cannot exist to control on the pirate transportation. Participants also stated that taxi drivers are picking up passengers at the bus stops. While it is not possible for the buses to drive up to the hotel lobby. Everything has increased, insurance, taxes, etc. The participants also mentioned that as a large (grote) autobus driver you get a helper-driver for five years. And for the small (kleine) autobus you get for three months. The focus group participants mentioned that locals are happy with the service, they give them an extra florin sometimes to drop them off closer, some passengers to not like to wait until the bus is full.