For Triton’s Call
Last year, Kloppenburg Enterprises Incorporated submitted a bid to continue as the bus provider for the Guam Regional Transit Authority (GRTA) mass transit.
As of February, GRTA is still in the initial phase of the procurement process of this bid, leaving some riders to adjust to any and all changes as they are implemented.
Currently, GRTA has 11 buses in service. Five are fixed route buses, while six are paratransit buses.
The paratransit bus service requires certification by GRTA of ADA Eligible Certified individuals, as well as advance reservations two days prior made during GRTA’s regular business hours. GRTA also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for riders that are approved for eligible certification to use the paratransit service.
Currently, GRTA does not have rider demographics of the 11 buses that they have in operation. However, GRTA Executive Manager Enrique Agustin said riders are using the transit buses to reach many different destinations such as work and school. There are also riders that utilize the bus for recreational purposes.
GRTA’s Riders Information pamphlet contains the common rules of courtesy section to ensure the safety of both the drivers and passengers.
When asked about any specific incidents concerning passengers that have engaged in disruptive behavior, Agustin said that usually the bus driver while stop the vehicle, contact a dispatcher and police officer, then continue on the scheduled route that was assigned.
No individuals have been temporarily or permanently banned from using the transit bus system; however, Agustin added that Guam does not have transit police to handle these specific instances due to funding restraints. Future implementation of transit police officers would bring Guam to the level of transit systems in the United States.
When asked about details regarding the procurement, Agustin said that those questions would remain unanswered.
According to Agustin, the process is ongoing; therefore, further disclosure is not allowed to the general public.
Agustin also stated that he is leaving off-island for the next GRTA board meeting scheduled for Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m. and returns on Feb. 22.
He held a discussion with the acting executive manager and chief planner, Rudy Cabana, before his departure.
However, Agustin said “[t]he Executive Manager does not have a vote on any policy matters that is to be voted on by the board members.”
The GRTA board meetings are open to the general public and occur once a month for a total of 12 meetings per fiscal year. A portion of each meeting is open for public commentary/input.
When contacted for further comment from the GRTA Secretary, Penelope Gates, Agustin said that Gates is the newest employee on staff and does not have the extensive corporate knowledge to answer questions dealing with the company. Because of those provided reasons, Agustin said that Gates is unavailable for interview purposes.
For more information on GRTA such as the transit hours of operation, routes, and schedules, check their website grta.guam.gov. The GRTA staff can also be contacted via the following phone numbers: 300-7262/475-4603. Their office hours are Monday to Friday at 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.