E’bo drivers agree to continue with old fares

Jun 07, 2018 News

Minibus and hire car operators on the Essequibo Coast who had recently protested to the increase of fuel price, are now agreeing to work with a fare structure that was prepared in 2004. This agreement was made on Tuesday, when taxi and minibus operators met with key stakeholders within the region.
The meeting which was hosted at the Anna Regina Town Council, was attended by members of the Essequibo Hire Car Association, the Regional Chairman, Devenand Ramdatt and members of the Essequibo Chamber of Commerce.
Following the strike on Monday, Minibus and hire car operators insisted that their concerns be addressed by the relevant authorities.
President of the Essequibo Minibus Hire car association, Mohammed Namul said that an agreement was signed between the association and the Ministry of Tourism in 2004, permitting the increase of passenger fare in the event the gasoline price exceeds $1000.
According to reports reaching this publication, the price per gallon of gasoline on the Essequibo Coast has now increased from $932 to $1054. Minibus and taxi operators on the other hand, now believe that they have valid reasons for increasing the passenger’s fare, emphasizing that they will be out of business if they stick to the present fare.
One operator who spoke on behalf of other drivers explained, “Passengers do not wanna pay more for increase. But if they don’t pay more then we will be out of business… sometimes we drive all the way to Charity and some passengers, instead of paying the full $200, they only want pay $100.”
While these drivers appear to be out of options, the regional Chairman suggested that they maintain the old same fare structure, until a decision is made from central government.
Ramdatt noted that the majority of the population will be placed under economic constraint, should the fare increase. He underlined the fact that the best option will then be to explore the possibility of having the fuel price decreased. The regional chairman further said that the Regional Administration will write to the Ministry of Business, recommending that the fuel price be reduced.
Drivers on the other hand who continue to bemoan this sudden increase in the fuel price, have agreed that they will continue to work with the fare structure until an urgent response is given by the Ministry of Business.

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