Govt. lacks urgency to address concerns of minibus operators

Jun 21, 2018 News

– Union President

The United Minibus Union (UMU) is surprised by the lack of urgency from the Government to discuss a proposal to address bus fares across the country.
Minibus operators across the country have been protesting for increased fares, citing the escalating price of fuel.
President of the Union, Eon Andrews told Kaieteur News yesterday that he has not heard from Government since submitting a proposal on June 11, pointing that in the meantime, bus operators are becoming increasingly agitated, with some drivers already charging more to shuttle passengers.

President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews

“The Government ought to reach with us to get this matter resolved quickly. The problem is spreading and can become a national issue. I hope they are not waiting for this to get out of control before they address this matter. Many people are affected on a daily basis. A responsible Government should expedite these matters. In the last administration they would meet with us consistently on these matters,” Andrews noted.
He stated that hundreds of Guyanese depend on the services provided by the operators, and tensions are high as passengers are being asked to pay unauthorised fare increases.
At an initial meeting with officials of the Ministry of Business, the Union was asked to submit a proposal to the Ministry. According to Andrews, the proposal focused on initiatives that Government could implement and save the public from having to pay the increase fares.
Among the proposals, is for Government to decrease the excise tax on fuel, which could lower prices at the pump. However, Andrews noted that the Union understands that the Government has no control over the price of fuel on the world market.
To this end, he stated that the Union’s proposal highlights long-term initiatives such as a reversal of the ban on used tyres that could contribute to lower operational cost.
Additionally, the proposal also outlines a breakdown of the increased cost of bus parts from 2008 to present. According to Andrews, this was included to give Government an indication of the operational burden on operators.
The Union’s proposal also includes a five-year moratorium on minibus imports to address the prevailing chaos in the industry.
“We have done what we have been asked to do at the meeting with the Ministry of Business. We have submitted a proposal as requested by the Minister. I am very surprised that since then, we have not heard anything about a meeting with the Minister,” Andrews noted.
He explained that operators continue to reach out to the Union, calling for more pressure to be placed on the Government to take swift action to address their concerns. So far, the Union has resisted calls for a national strike by the operators.
Instead, Andrews continue to appeal for patience, and has asked commuters not to pay the unauthorised fare increases some bus routes have implemented since the fuel price hike.