History

Operations to meet the growing transport needs of Seychelles

Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) was established to provide a structured, reliable, and publicly accountable public transport system for Seychelles. The creation of SPTC marked an important step in the development of national infrastructure, ensuring that public bus services were delivered in a coordinated and regulated manner.

Before the establishment of SPTC, public transport services were more fragmented and less consistent, making it difficult for many people to rely on buses for daily commuting. The formation of a national transport corporation allowed for better route planning, standardised fares, improved vehicle maintenance, and more dependable service delivery.

Key Moments in History

1977

On the 30th of December 1977 the first major step affecting public transport was taken with four pieces of legislations issued including the creation of the SPTC.

Another decree was the Road Transport (Public Service Vehicles) Regulations 1977 setting out details for the construction of buses: conduct of drivers, conductors and passengers.

Other regulations were stipulated to provide an efficient and healthy service. Drivers and conductors were expected to behave in a civil and orderly manner, be clean and tidy and were forbidden from smoking. Safety of passengers was given top priority.

1978

The SPTC entered into operation officially on the 1st of January 1978. Its role was to provide a regular and reliable bus service to the people of all districts. It was the first parastatal after 5th June 1977.

1979

At 11.09  a.m on the 11th of January 1979 the first 15 buses from the Tata Company of India touched the Seychelles soil on disembarkation from the cargo vessel “Vishva Anand”.

SPTC’s fleet increased to 51 vehicles with the further addition of 35 buses by May 1979. SPTC was able to serve 19 routes from Victoria to Anse Aux Pins to points like Les Canelles, Anse Boileau, Baie Lazare,

Takamaka, Les Mamelles, Belvédère, La Misère, Port Launay, Sans Soucis, Glacis, Anse Etoile, Bel Ombre, Le Niol and Mont Buxton.

1980

Ticket machines were introduced in August 1980. The machines looked like a camera with a long strap which the conductor hanged around his or her neck.

1981

President Albert Rene inaugurated the SPTC’s Workshop and Technical Training Centre on the 19th of January 1981. He reiterated “we have never lost sight of our objective that transport for our workers to travel to and from work is an essential service in our society” (Seychelles Nation 20/01/1981).

1982

SPTC started a long awaited two months night service trial in March 15 1982, however due to lack of demands and vandalism the service was withdrawn on 9 July 1982. In September a bus from the famous Mercedes Benz company was put on a 3 months trial.

1983

A Renault bus was put on a 3 months trial on 24th February 1983. On 28th July 1983 SPTC received a FIAT bus from the Italian bus company for a 3 month trial. In November 1983 two Leyland buses were handed over to SPTC by executives of the Designers Leyland    Vehicles (Exports) LTD and body builders to SPTC for a 6 months trial.

1984

First batch of 20 FIAT buses arrived on 21st of December 1984. In December 1984, SPTC started work for a permanent bus terminal in Victoria.

1986

In November 1986 SPTC introduced a number of colours to indicate the destination of buses.

1987

SPTC re-introduced night service in March 1987.

1988

In January 1988 SPTC launched a bus service on La Digue.

1989

In June 1989 SPTC received 20 new FIAT buses and 39 new Tata buses followed by 15 luxurious air-conditioned buses in July that same year.

1990

SPTC announced in July 1990 that a group of female conductors were being trained to become drivers.

Also in July SPTC launched an express service for North Mahe.

In late August 1990 SPTC announced the launching of a trial shoppers special bus service on Saturdays.

1992

In April 1992 SPTC put the 30-year-old Princess for hire.

1997

On 18th June 1997, President France Albert Rene inaugurated the new bus terminal.

1998

In 1998 the Islander coach charter came into operation.

1999

In July 1999, SPTC carried out tests with some buses after installing speed retarders and limiters.

2000

SPTC introduced time-saving bus trips along highway to Baie Lazare and Port Glaud.

2001

SPTC embarked on an exchange programme with the biggest bus company in Malaysia, Park May Berhad.

2002

In July 2002, SPTC introduced a city bus service.

On 21st October 2002, SPTC signed a contract for 45 Ashok Leyland buses to replace its ageing vehicles.

2003

  • In February 2003, SPTC received a first consignment of 15 Ashok Leyland buses.
  • In August 2003, SPTC announced an agreement to establish internal service standards.
  • In October 2003, SPTC announced the introduction of a Smart Card trial on Praslin.
  • On 13th October 2003, SPTC announced that soon buses will be monitored from the sky.

2004

On 15th November 2004, a new Luxury bus service using air conditioned buses came into operation.

2005

In January 2005, SPTC launched Student Termly card.

2006

In January 2006, SPTC introduced a one-day bus ticket.

On the 24 February 2006, SPTC put the first ‘Selebre Sesel’ bus on the road coinciding with the

National theme of the year 2006, ‘Selebre Sesel’.

2007

In June 2007, 337 staff members of SPTC received certificates after successful completion of courses in various fields, ranging from Basic First Aid, Computer Learning skills, Record writing & Book Keeping, Customer Relations, Basic Communication, Interpersonal skills, Customer, Service Delivery and Living values, Health and Safety in the work place.

2008

  • In January 2008, SPTC celebrated its 30th Anniversary with a lottery and poem competition.
  • On the 10th February 2008 it was announced that individuals and private companies can now offer private buses for hire on a contract basis thereby complementing the services being offered by the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC). This followed an amendment to the regulations relating to omnibuses under the Licensing Act.
  • In November 2008 Minister Joel Morgan presented a bill in the National Assembly for the setting-up of the Land Transport Agency to allow business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
  • On 16th December new bus fares were announced to take effect on 1st January 2009. General fare was R7 and R10 Air-Conditioned buses.
  • On 19th December Minister Morgan announced that public transport on Praslin will be administered by Praslinois themselves.

2009

  • On 30th January 2009, the Praslin Transport Company (PTC) came into operation replacing SPTC on Praslin.
  • In June 2009, bus timetables became available on internet-supported mobile phones.
  • In October 2009, Miss Veronique Laporte was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of the SPTC.
  • In November 2009, SPTC received 15 new buses paid halfly by the Corporation.
  • In December 2009, to better customer service, SPTC CEO Veronique Laporte announced the introduction of a Hotline, a new bus schedule and friendlier working environment for staff.

2010

  • In January 2010, SPTC management team met with members of the National Assembly (MNAs), District Administrators and other district representatives.
  • In May 2010, SPTC announced the presence of  private security officers and the installation of security cameras on buses.
  • In May 2010, SPTC announced that Post Secondary students will be allowed to board public buses.
  • In June 2010, SPTC took steps to boost revenue after fare cut
  • In July 2010, SPTC invested in 15 new buses.
  • On Saturday 18th September 2010, SPTC honoured its Staff with long years of service.
  • December 10th 2010, SPTC received a donation 10 air-conditioned YUTONG buses from the Chinese Goverment.

Growth of the National Bus Network

Over the years, SPTC has expanded its operations to meet the growing transport needs of Seychelles. The organisation developed an integrated bus network covering Mahé, Praslin, and key population centres, supported by depots, terminals, and a professional workforce.

This growth enabled SPTC to improve service coverage, reduce waiting times, and provide better access to essential destinations such as schools, hospitals, government offices, and commercial areas.

Towards a Digital and Sustainable Future

In recent years, SPTC has taken steps toward modernising public transport through digital systems, customer information platforms, and sustainability initiatives. These efforts are designed to improve the passenger experience, strengthen operational efficiency, and support national environmental goals.

The introduction of digital journey information, mobile services, and modern advertising platforms reflects SPTC’s commitment to evolving with the needs of a modern transport system.

Looking Ahead

SPTC continues to play a central role in shaping the future of public transport in Seychelles. By focusing on service quality, operational excellence, and sustainable development, the organisation remains committed to supporting national mobility and economic growth.

The history of SPTC is one of continuous improvement, adaptation, and service to the people of Seychelles.