By Gerardo R. Partido
Variety News Staff

SENATOR Adolpho Palacios, D-Ordot/Chalan Pago, yesterday introduced legislation that seeks to improve the training of public transport service providers.
Bill 56 seeks to ensure the proper training of public transportation service providers, particularly in providing such services to children, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and the general community.
According to Palacios, he introduced the bill to address some of the legitimate concerns expressed by residents who regularly use the public transportation system as a means of transport to and from work, public facilities, and other destinations.
Many of the concerns raised by the riders are related to the lack of professional courtesy and customer service provided by several of the public transportation service providers.
Palacios said his measure would ensure that individuals who provide direct transportation service to the community like bus drivers, dispatchers, and transport care attendants receive the necessary training to serve the general public.
The Department of Administration, through its Division of Public Transportation Services, shall be responsible for ensuring the proper review and compliance of the bill’s provisions.
DOA shall work collectively with the University of Guam, Guam Community College, or other certified training sources in the formulation of the appropriate instructional “Passenger Assistance Training and Orientation Program.”
This program will include the annual refresher training course that will meet the requirements set forth in the bill.
Upon completion of the training program, UOG, GCC, or other certified training sources shall further provide a written certification, such as a certificate of completion, to any and all attendees and copies to the respective employer and DOA.
The training instruction shall include the familiarization and knowledge of providing public services to the community to include safety, policy, regulation, customer service, and sensitivity training.
The training shall also provide information on existing laws and mandates applicable to the provision of public transportation services, and a general understanding in providing services to individuals with disabilities or others in need of special service support consideration.