Govt considering electric tram, rail system to tackle traffic woes

Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo says the government is considering the possibility of introducing a tram system within the capital city of Georgetown in order to improve the public transportation sector and reduce congestion on the roadways.
This system, he explained, could be powered by electricity and connect commuters at various points in Georgetown. He noted that with over 300,000 people living between Golden Grove on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) and Diamond on the East Bank of Demerara (EBD), the system will serve as a relief to commuters.
Noting that no plan has been finalised, Jagdeo further suggested that a railway system could be implemented to connect commuters from certain populated communities to a station which can then connect with the tram system.
“So, if you connect the road from the rail and you have a station from Ogle, East Coast Demerara (ECD) and you jump on it, you can get into various points in the city without congestion.” he suggested.
He also floated the idea of developing a parking facility outside of the city and then connecting that location to the tram system to head into Georgetown.
“Nothing has been finalised, but we’re looking at it seriously,” Jagdeo said, adding that the focus right now is to expand the road network across the country.
He pointed out that the Heroes Highway was built to ease congestion on the East Bank of Demerara but that too is already becoming congested.
Moreover, the Vice President said when the Government lowers taxes on the importation of vehicles during the next term, there will be an even larger influx of vehicles into the country – necessitating the need for more roadways.