Minibus association defies Government, hikes fares

Mar 24, 2011 News

Several minibuses operating across the country defied a government call for no fare increases. At least one union announced that it endorsed a $20 raise since Tuesday.
The United Minibus Union (UMU) yesterday also questioned the authority of Minister of Trade and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, who has urged commuters not to pay any increase.
According to UMU President Eon Andrews and the body’s consultant, Ronald Backer, they have been deliberately sidelined by the Ministry during recent talks.
The officials claimed that UMU is the only body that has met the legal requirements governing such union bodies and as such is the only one authorised to speak for over 400 minibus operators.
On Tuesday, Minister Prashad said that UMU is an “unrecognised” group and called on commuters to refuse to pay any increases.
The Minister met with representative of Guyana Minibus Association GMA and the Guyana Public Transportation Association, two unions which UMU said has not been meeting regularly nor has members.
UMU insisted yesterday that the fare increase is not so much related to the gas price raise but rather to “astronomical” markups in recent years to spare parts.
On top of this, said Backer, gas prices has already passed $1,000 mark at some gas stations.
UMU claimed that it is representing minibuses from Route 31, 32, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46 and 48.
“We would like to refute the statements by government to set and approve rates for minibuses. The owners are the ones that control the minibuses,” Backer contended.
Yesterday, commuters reported paying at least $20 more on fares and even $40 in some instances. Passengers, on minibuses plying the East Bank Demerara route , on the Route 42 zone, were given fliers on increases.
UMU claimed that it sent letters to office of Minister Prashad on a number of occasions and while someone called from the office acknowledging receipt, no meetings were held.
“We felt even though the Ministry can’t approve rates or even fix them…he (Minister Prashad) is the subject Minister and we should inform him of our plans.”
While gas prices were $998 per gallon at Guyoil stations yesterday, the others over hovering around $1,020 and $1,035.
According to Backer, the union has carried out a survey of the cost for parts for minibuses for the last two years and there is a marked increase.
“For example, one alternator was selling for $17,400 in 2008…this is now between $33,000-$34,000. A clutch plate is now almost $20,000…double what it was.”
Other critical parts like shocks, brake liners, radiator fans and exhaust repairs have all risen considerably, the officials said.
UMU provided the newspaper with a copy of the Guyana Chronicle of April 28, 1999 in which former Traffic Chief, Paul Slowe, said that as far as he is aware, “fares are not controlled”.
“We are willing to sit and talk with the Ministry. The reality is that if you go into the park and ask about any other associations the minibus people will tell you they don’t want to see them. That they don’t want them around.”
Newspaper reports said that Prashad on Tuesday met with President of the General Minibus Association, Lylon Withers; President of the Guyana Public Transportation Association, Vibert Bell; and President of the Route 32 Minibus Association, James Cowsil, who said that they have not endorsed any increase in fares.

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