Latest update November 8th, 2024 1:00 AM
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Govt. providing free transportation in face of minibus fare hike
The Ministry of Works has committed to provide free transportation for commuters plying the main routes outside of the city as they step in to challenge what they say is the unfavourable situation faced by passengers using the
One of the buses that will operate the West Bank route
private bus system.
Minister Robeson Benn said that his ministry is seeking to keep the free transportation project going as long as it is needed in a bid to force private bus operators to the bargaining table. The minister said that implementation of the big bus transportation system could result from the exploitation of commuters.
The government has become concerned about the state of public transportation resulting from threats by operators to withdraw their minibus services, while passengers are being forced to pay higher bus fares than the stipulated sums.
The Minister said that the problem of the private bus services persisted in the past and the government has responded to the situation by relieving passengers. “We don’t want to encourage or allow a situation where commuters are forced to suffer as a result of one sided action by minibus operators or some of those in the system,” the Minister related.
It was stated that the service started last Saturday with buses operating at Canal and the West Bank. The Ministry will start with the provision of eight buses during the day, but will see the operation of 10 vehicles by evening and they will operate up to 23:00 hours depending on the demand for the service.
The buses will work the East Bank route, La Parfaite Harmonie, West Coast and the East Coast Demerara, until another measure is put in place to ease the current problem. Benn said that the relevant Government ministries had taken a position that once gas or diesel prices did not exceed $1000, it will not accept an increase in bus fares.
It is therefore the government’s job to immediately address the problem so that the hand of the public is not forced. Minister Benn said he does not see the rise in bus fares as a result of market force, but rather it is “bullyism” for passengers to be forced to pay higher prices.
“We have to respond; markets have to be regulated and the public transport network has to be regulated by actions of the government either by leveraging the situation or sitting down to discuss issues and arrive at a resolution that suits both sides.”
Minister Benn was unable to give a cost of the project. He said that the sum has not yet been worked out. He noted, however, that it is not an exorbitant cost and that additional sums are being sought to aid in financing. Some buses will transport as much as 44 persons while some will transport 30 with space for standing.
Operator for one of the contracted bus services, Salim Twahir, said that the buses are operating more or less as a volunteer service to the government since the bus services have their own customers. Twahir who operators Knight Rider bus service said the buses are only receiving fuel allowance and a small amount to pay drivers. He also stated that the buses are insured and covers every seat in his vehicle.
“A” Division Police Commander Clifton Hicken told the media that the new bus system is welcomed, since commuters will no longer have to wait long hours for buses, thus making them vulnerable to robberies etc.
The few bus drivers who Kaieteur News spoke with were not at all happy about the new arrangements. Many of them said they were not aware of the new system, but are looking to see the outcome.
Minister Benn refuted any insinuations that the free bus system is a political gimmick given the much anticipated general elections. He said that the government is still in talks about getting its own fleet of public buses.
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