We are in 2010. I remember, as if it was yesterday, when government introduced free transport for elderly, handicapped and students in 2005. Our elders turned up like teenagers, travelling a whole day, organizing outings and enjoying their deserved retirement. Most were sceptical about how government would finance this project.

Nobody had realised that this social move would be the catalyst for progress and a blessing in disguise. It motivated authorities and stakeholders. There were brainstorming sessions and new ideas cropped up. The authorities had realised that transport was the wheel of economic activity and that an efficient and reliable system was a must for economic development.

Now, public transport is an essential service geared by the ten municipalities (district councils no longer exist). Mauritius has a fleet of 2,000 brand new air-conditioned coaches running on solar energy. All diesel buses polluting the environment have been recycled to useful iron. Road networks have been expanded to provide a fluid bus lane that has eradicated traffic congestion. Buses are equipped with flat screen television and radios, newspapers, magazines and refreshments. Courtesy is the motto. Public coaches are so comfortable that you feel like in an airplane and service is so genuine that almost everybody, even ministers and executives, leave their cars at home.

Everything has been automated; starting with bus schedules, monitoring via GPS, etc. Passenger information and timetables are displayed on all busstands and available via Internet. Passengers no longer pay with cash but via smart cards. The teller machines are on all stands and buses; replenishment is possible via cellular phones.

Robbery and hold-ups are something of the past. Buses whisk people to their destination and there is no stress and time wastage. People have more time for distraction, socialization and family life. Juvenile delinquency and crime have almost been eradicated, new positive paradigms have been developed and have contributed in upgrading the country’s social fabric and economy.

Billions gained from fuel economy have been reinvested in road infrastructure and the environment. What a metamorphosis! Entering a bus terminus is like visiting a botanical garden; the parking area is covered with clean heavy-duty bricks; endemic and decorative trees have been planted for greenery and shade. Colourful flowerbeds and flowerpots have been architecturally displayed. Instead of the noisy engines, you now hear the chirping of birds.

The uplifting of this major pillar of our economy has eradicated fatal accidents, illegal operators, ‘taxi marron’, violence and other black spots. An ideal public service has caused a drastic fall in the number of vehicles on the road and even the importation of cars and vans has almost stopped allowing more savings on foreign currency.

Traffic is fluid and the environment pollution free. The ecosystem has been revived and the country has regained its calling of “paradise of the Indian Ocean”. It’s so nice to walk in Port-Louis where there is fresh air, rarely a vehicle in sight, no noise and black smoke. People walk, jog and cycle and it’s such a healthy picture. There is peace at home, at work and in society.

The ingenious joint investment by government and municipalities has proved fruitful and the chain effects have uplifted the lifestyle and contributed to an ecofriendly and prosperous island. There is no need for the “light railway” which would have cost a fortune, nor the construction of new roads, bypass or fly-over. Even the Ferney project has lost its ‘raison d’être’ and has been discarded.

Transport employees have their own clinic, clubhouse, gymnasium, swimming pool and beach bungalows for leisure and holidays. Everything is organized to promote the health and welfare of employees and their families. Employees receive training in management and customer care; this approach has increased productivity, and generated high profits for the councils. They all have an interesting salary package and enjoy a good standard of living. There is no longer time for strike, backbiting, gossip and frustration.

Tourists have increased and tours are organised by public transport. Bookings are done directly by travel agencies and via Internet. Tourists are so satisfied with the courteous and dedicated service and the nice, neat and safe places they visit, thanks to Mauritian luxurious and eco-friendly coaches that they are heartily recommending our country to friends and relatives.

Visitors from abroad are now under the impression that Mauritius was made first and then Heaven moulded from it. At last, our intellectual expats are now returning from abroad thus reversing the previous brain-drain. Mauritius has gained and prospered so much with this winning formula.

<B>Robirosh</B>