Topic: road congestion

Traffic is a climate problem, a quality of life problem, a resource drain and a catalyst for development. In a special report, the Compass, examines one of the island's most persistent issues.

Four commuters, four different modes of transport, two routes, one race. Car vs. bike, kayak vs. bus. To conclude our month-long series investigating causes of, and potential solutions to, the island’s traffic troubles, we wanted to challenge the assumption that the car is still the best way to travel in Cayman. So we put it to the test in a rush-hour race.

From electric scooters to one-wheel e-skateboards, new types of battery powered vehicles are helping a growing number of commuters dodge the traffic.

As Cayman looks to update its Development Plan for the first time in more than two decades, managing traffic has moved up the list of priorities.

A new smartphone app is making it possible for some passengers to check the location of their bus. Set up by a group of public transport drivers, the K-Bus app has been launched, initially with nine buses.

Opposite the Westin hotel on West Bay Road, a couple unloads groceries and beach towels from the basket of a distinctive green-and-white bicycle.

In the plush interior of the Arch Automotive showroom in Camana Bay, I push a button on my smartphone and a map lights up with four ‘Zun’ icons, indicating the location of available vehicles.

At one of Cayman’s biggest businesses, the conversation about congestion is going beyond talk. Dart’s internal innovation unit, known as Dart Labs, is road testing solutions.

Government is considering bigger buses and new routes as it seeks to improve public transport and encourage people to leave their cars behind, says Rosa Harris, chair of the Public Transport Board.

As policymakers in Cayman seek to find solutions to growing congestion on the roads, they could do worse than looking 1,300 miles to the north, to Bermuda.

Buses for private schools, restrictions on vehicle imports and staggered work hours are among the key recommendations coming out of a government transport committee.