Initiated in June 2024, a groundbreaking project called the Original Roseau City Bus Stop Map aims to enhance the accessibility of Dominica’s bus system, for both locals and tourists. Rashida Serrant-Davis, the founder of Fifty-One Books, drew inspiration from her upbringing in New York City and the transit maps of the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) while conceptualizing the Roseau City map.
Collaborating with Project Assistant Kytel Daniel and Graphic Designer Ayomidimeji, the team crafted a comprehensive map featured in her recent book, “Greater Than a Tourist Dominica: 50 Travel Tips from a Local.” The map will cater to visitors and residents alike, especially frequent bus travelers, by providing up-to-date bus stop locations, served destinations, notable landmarks, ATM locations, and free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Roseau City.
The project welcomes micro, small, and aspiring medium-sized enterprises to participate and be featured, and over 15 Dominican business owners have already joined. Mrs. Davis expressed her delight in interacting with business owners to learn about their aspirations and narratives, inviting diverse sectors to gain visibility through this initiative.
Acknowledging Dominica’s dependable public transportation system mainly operated by private minibus drivers, the organizers hope to attract the attention of bus drivers and Bus Driver Associations (BDAs). Davis emphasizes the economic significance of buses and encourages drivers to embrace the opportunity to showcase Dominica’s beauty to tourists and the diaspora.
“The buses are a vital part of the nation’s economy. The nation is well mapped out with bus service for the most part. It’s time for the bus drivers to take in front – some tourists and diaspora like seeing Dominica by bus,” she stated.
During a recent conversation with Davis on Kairi FM’s Kairi Connections radio show, host Vanessa Bruno confirmed the appeal of the bus network for visitors to the island, particulary the ” backpackers.”
“…They don’t want to take a taxi, they just want to explore,” said Bruno. “…That is a fun way of getting to know a place…”
Anticipating the project’s completion, Project Assistant Kytel Daniel expressed confidence that Dominicans will embrace the map upon its release. With plans for annual updates and new partnerships, a digital version will be accessible on dominicabybus.com. Leveraging her tech expertise, Davis developed the website herself, showcasing her commitment to empowering small business owners through forthcoming webinars.
The goal is to distribute 5000 printed maps locally and launch its web version during the 2024 Independence Season. Copies of “Greater Than a Tourist Dominica” will soon be available at Zeb Kweyol and various national bookstores and tourist outlets. The public may also explore more about Fifty-One Books at fiftyonebooks.com.
Great stuff. Many more of our people are creative than we think, and can help solve our issues, or make life easier.
This already exists.
But how deep is it hidden?