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Three months after fare hike… Ministry of Business still to implement minibus code of conduct

Dec 23, 2018 News

It has been over three months since the Ministry of Business in collaboration with the United Minibus Union implemented a $20 fare hike across the board with the promise of implementing a Code of Conduct for minibus operators.
However, this publication understands that a draft code of conduct was submitted to the Minibus Union by the said Ministry in October for consideration.
Sources revealed that the Union and the Ministry had planned a meeting for the latter part of November to discuss the draft code of conduct and hopefully have it implemented by the end of this year.
However, the code of conduct has not been made official as yet with less than ten days to the New Year.
In an earlier interview with Kaieteur News, the President of the United Minibus Union, Eon Andrews, disclosed that at the time of reporting he had no issue with the draft and was in total agreement with its content.
Andrews added that operators needed to get themselves in order because once the union agrees, the only action left is for the Ministry of Business to implement the code of conduct.
The draft code of conduct presented to the union covered issues being faced by consumers in the aspects of the general operation of drivers and conductors, licensing and compliance, consumer service, prohibitions and health and safety conditions provided for passengers in minibuses.
It also enforced that both drivers and conductors should follow all transportation-related laws and regulations.
The draft accentuates that (conductors and drivers’) behaviour towards passengers should be without prejudice.
Further, into the draft, emphasis was also placed on fair and proper treatment of persons with disabilities, women, children and the elderly.
The code of conduct draft also proposes much needed training as a criterion for new operators (drivers and conductors) and upon the renewing of their licences.
Under prohibitions, the draft posited that operators should not refuse to stop at areas that are designated bus-stops, or attach any sign that would offend any group or individual inside or outside the minibus.
In relation to health and safety, the draft suggested that the buses should be kept clean and tidy at all times and that, drivers should perform a daily examination on the bus engine, brakes, and other peripheral parts.
In addressing many complaints that rose about buses that are unfit causing physical damage to persons, the preliminary document proposed that operators would have to ensure that the interior of the bus is safe and would not cause injuries to passengers.
Meanwhile, the general public impatiently awaits the implementation and enforcement of the code of conduct as they continue to express discontent in the way minibus operators conduct business.

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