PMV meet addresses safety for women, girls

The Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) Association, in partnership with UN Women, held its first meeting with more than 50 PMV bus and taxi operators to promote women’s safety in public space.
The meeting focused on bus stops and inside buses and taxis where women were most vulnerable to harrasement.
Attended by key government partners including Road Traffic Authority (RTA), Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) and Traffic Police – Road Safety Unit, the team discusses key plans and standards to improve public transportation in Port Moresby.
RTA CEO Nelson Terema thanked the PMV Association and the UN Women’s ongoing support to improving public transportation.
“The Gender and Transport Study UN Women will identify gaps within the current public transport system and provide necessary data to determine the demand for transport so we can upgrade the current PMV
system to make it more safe, efficient and reliable”.
ICCC provided a thorough run down on how PMV and Taxi fares are charged and emphasised the need for PMV and Taxi operators to work closely with ICCC to determine PMV and Taxi fares in the upcoming 2018
fare review.
Inspector James Leoleo, OIC of Police Road Safety Unit highlighted the importance of promoting standards, including conduct of drivers, crews and owners.
“Your role as a crew is to ensure students, women and girls and the elderly get onboard safely without any harassment,” he said.
Female Bus and Taxi Owner Anna Palamb highlighted the challenge of being in this sector.
“I took over the running of this business after my partner passed on.
It took a while to get around understanding the processes.
“I am happy the PMV Association has linked us up with different partners so we can be updated on their upcoming plans and how it will impact our business”.
UN Women Programme Specialist Bessie Maruia acknowledged the commitment of all key transport partners present in working towards making public transport safer for women and girls.
“It is important to be aware of the distinct mobility needs of women and girls due to their household and caretaking responsibilities and their reliance on public transportation’,” she said.
“Making public transport work for women and meeting their need for safe, efficient, reliable mobility will contribute to improved and better health, education and economic outcomes.