Passengers should hold minibus operators accountable to new code of conduct

Feb 24, 2019 News

Passengers have a responsibility to hold minibus operators accountable to the new code of conduct. This code is being brought into force by officials of the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Business, with support from the United Minibus Union, (UMU).
The code was established to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of public transportation in Guyana and to make the public transport system accessible to all commuters on a non-discriminatory basis.
Sections of the code apply to minibus operators having respect for all public transport traffic laws and regulations as well as the safety of respect for passengers.
The code is being hailed as long overdue by many observers who have noted blatant disregard of minibus operators for passengers and road users in general.
However, with the new code being brought into effect, President of the UMU, Eon Andrews, noted that passengers hold some degree of responsibility for ensuring the codes are adhered to.
“Now that the code has been launched, the passengers have to be cognizant of the fact that they are responsible for reporting any breach of their rights or violation of the code.”
According to Andrews, the code is backed by the traffic and consumer laws which allow passengers to take their complaints to the police as well as the Consumers Affairs Unit under the Ministry of Business.
“At present, we are setting up a hotline number so persons can lodge their complaints at the Consumer Affairs Department. We are also working on sensitizing the public through radio and other forms of the media to the contents of the code of conduct.”
The new regulations are being implemented by the Consumer Affairs Division of the Ministry of Business, with support from the united minibus union, the Guyana Police Force and the national road safety council. According to documents seen by this newspaper, the final code of conduct shall come into effect 60 days after it is launched.
The Code of Conduct stipulates that all operators shall observe the respect for all public transport and traffic laws and regulations; the safety of all passengers is of primary importance; no passenger shall be discriminated against on the grounds of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability or nationality.
Additionally, it notes that the rights of the consumer must at all times be considered.
The code says that the transportation sector is a critical sector of the economy and should be operated professionally.
For general operations all minibus personnel are required to display professionalism, i.e. be a part of an association, wear a uniform and an identity badge/card; undergo training as a criterion for new operators (drivers and conductors) and renewals of licenses; ensure that the fare structure is properly displayed.
Violations such as refusal to stop the bus at a designated bus stop to pick-up or to let out a commuter; the placement in or outside of the minibus of any signs that may offend any group or individual; the playing of loud or offensive music; refusal to pick up commuters based on the grounds of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, disability or nationality a code of conduct for minibus operators and other personnel can result in the operation facing serious sanctions under the law.

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