Minibus Code of Conduct draft in consideration

Oct 26, 2018 News

After over a month of implementing the new mini bus fare structure, the United Minibus Union has finally agreed to propose to its membership, the adoption of a draft Code of Conduct for minibus operators countrywide.
The draft code of conduct draft was presented by the Ministry of Business to the United Minibus Union on Wednesday last.
The union came to the decision of analysis and consideration of the draft during a meeting with the Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin, Ms. Muriel Tinnis, Director of the Consumer Affairs Department within the Ministry of Business, and Superintendent Dennis Stephens, Deputy Traffic Chief.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Gaskin discussed aspects of the proposed code as well as concerns raised by consumers pertaining to the daily operation of minibuses. Gaskin told the bus operators that it is important for the union, police and government to work together to address matters related to mini bus operations in the country.
Ms. Tinnis told the minibus operators that there are continuous complaints of speeding, touting and overloading of buses. She pointed out that one of the major complaints received, was that of overcharging, particularly within certain routes. There were also complaints that some operators charge passengers a higher fare at nights.
President of the United Mini Bus Union, Eon Andrews, while addressing the gathering, said many of the concerns expressed by consumers are justified. He expressed optimism that the Code of Conduct will address the issue of touting and overloading.
Andrews added that it is important that the legal issues be separated from the consumer issues, since the Guyana Police Force is mandated to maintain the law, adding that many of the complaints are legal matters. The President recommended mandatory training for conductors, as well as colour coding for buses.
The idea of a code of conduct was also supported by Dennis Chesney, President of the Berbice River branch Mini Bus Owners Association. Chesney said his union has already implemented some aspects of the code, and he hopes all operators will follow suit.
Speaking from law enforcement was Deputy Traffic Chief Stephens, who accentuated that the problem of touting persists because minibus drivers and conductors encourage it. And as a result of that, he urged the operators to utilize the model used by the Berbice Association, which he said has been very effective. Superintendent Stephens also pointed out that congestion continues to be a problem because of the large number of buses and the limited parking space available.
The Code of Conduct is reportedly said to address issues such as customer service, health and safety, licensing and compliance and the general operation of buses.
The union is scheduled to discuss the draft of the Code of Conduct presented by the Ministry with its membership, and sign on once there is consensus. Meanwhile, the Consumer Affairs Department is working on an implementation plan for the code of conduct. The department promised to continue to engage the Union on arising matters.

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