By Sue-Ann Wayow
SIX hundred and forty-five Priority Bus Route (PBR) Letter Permits are officially being recalled by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
On Tuesday, the ministry advised members of the public of the recall of the Letter Permits numbered 0001 through 0645.
The identified permits shall be rendered invalid as of July 1, 2025, the ministry stated via media release.
“This recall forms part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to enhance the transparency, compliance and overall efficiency of the PBR permit system,” the release stated.
Holders are encouraged to return their PBR Letter Permits to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
Submissions may be made in person or via a recognised courier service addressed to:
Office of the Permanent Secretary
Priority Bus Route Unit
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Level 6, 13 Richmond Street Port of Spain.
Application Process for New Permits
All individuals or entities wishing to reapply or obtain a PBR Letter Permit must submit a new application as part of the updated process.
Applicants are required to submit a “Letter of Application” addressed to The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. This document may be hand-delivered to the Ministry’s Head Office or emailed to pbrapplications@mowt.gov.tt
Application letters must include the following information and supporting documents:
· Full name of applicant
· Contact information
· Company information (where applicable)
· Reason for application
· Vehicle license plate number
· Copy of a valid driver’s licence
· Copy of vehicle certified copy
· Copy of valid insurance certificate
The release stated, “The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation thanks all permit holders for their cooperation as we work to implement a more streamlined and effective PBR Permit system. These enhancements are part of our broader commitment to improving road safety, traffic management, and delivering quality public services.”
The recall comes after an announcement by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar that there were too many persons authorised to have a PBR letter permit.
On May 22, Persad-Bissessar said that the passes would have been recalled and “persons with genuine needs” can reapply, adding that strict controls will be in place moving forward.
She also made it clear that those were not official passes issued to government functionaries like members of parliament or the judiciary.
