Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley has initiated proposals to revamp the public transport network.

The Barbados Nation reports that artificial intelligence is at the centre of the plans to optimise bus routes and a new Mass Transit Authority, to regulate a fully privatised transit system.

The Prime Minister said the government’s bid transition from the state-owned Transport Board to a new Mass Transit Authority is part of a broader plan to shift the state’s role from operator to regulator.

She indicated the government would be willing to assist with financing arrangements to support this mode, which will let ordinary citizens be responsible for ownership and the operation of the buses.