(CNS): The Ministry of Infrastructure, which is responsible for roads, has issued a request for proposals from suitably qualified consultants to deliver a Final Business Case (FBC) and full system design for a modern public transport system in the Cayman Islands. For more than a decade, successive governments have promised a national transit system, but each one has kicked the can down the road.
Despite numerous reports, reviews, discussions and commitments, a viable alternative to personal vehicles still seems a very long way off for Cayman’s roads.
According to documents posted on the CIG procurement office website, the request for this final business case follows Cabinet approval last August of the Strategic Outline Case, which has not been made public.
“The SOC established a clear strategic mandate for reform, identifying the need for a modern, integrated public transport system to address congestion, improve accessibility, enhance road safety outcomes, and support sustainable economic growth across the Cayman Islands,” the ministry stated in the RFP documents.
The ministry said it is looking for consultant to translate the SOC’s direction into a fully developed, decision-ready Final Business Case and a suite of implementation-ready outputs that will enable the CIG to proceed directly into procurement.
“The Consultant will be required to validate the SOC’s preferred option, confirm its continued suitability based on updated analysis, and produce outputs of sufficient technical, financial, and institutional rigour to support Cabinet decision-making and immediate progression to delivery,” the RFP states.
The resulting FBC will provide the government with a complete, integrated, and execution-ready framework for the delivery of a modern public transport system in the Cayman Islands.
The aim, according to the ministry, is for at least 10% of journeys in Grand Cayman to be made by public transport by 2030. The consultants will have to show how to reduce the environmental impact of emissions, and reduce congestion and private vehicle trips. They will also have to explain how to achieve corridor congestion relief and journey time reliability improvements, supported by demand modelling and scenario analysis.
They will also have to show how professionally operated public transport contributes to improved road safety and reduced exposure to crash risk. They will also evaluate accessibility improvements for non-drivers and vulnerable populations, including coverage, affordability, and access to employment, education, and services.
The government also expects them to identify productivity benefits, workforce mobility gains, and improvements to the visitor economy linked to reliable transport connectivity.
The Strategic Outline Case has still not been made public, despite the National Coalition for Cayman’s claimed commitment to transparency. CNS has submitted a freedom of information request and will do our best to secure its release. Bidders can apply for a copy, but must sign a non-disclosure agreement to receive it.
See the documents on the procurement site. Bids must be submitted by 22 April.
