Minibus strike widens

May 22, 2026 News

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…operators demand urgent talks with govt. over fare dispute

(Kaieteur News) – Minibus operators across several regions have turned off their engines in protest against the government’s refusal to approve fare increases, despite escalating fuel and maintenance costs.

Operators on Route 32, Vreed-en-Hoop, West Coast Demerara, described the government’s stance as an attempt to force them into transporting passengers for “next to nothing.” They are now calling for an urgent meeting with government officials to resolve the impasse.

Dozens of operators on the tarmac at Vreed-en-Hoop spoke of rising cost of operating public transportation services. Several complained that their fares have remained the same since 2018, despite fluctuating fuel prices and an increase in the price for parts for their buses.

Head of the minibus association for Route 32 explained they felt the need to address the lack of engagement by the government on the issue of fare adjustments despite the rise in cost of living. The operator lamented that the situation was further aggravated by announcement by Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill that there is no fare increase.

“Gas has moved from 1, 200 per gallon within days,” so it is atrocious and deceptive for Minister Edghill to go on media and say that things aint rise. Mr. Minister how can you say that there is no increase, when the price for everything gone up. And now, you want us to work for same fare that we working for the past 15 years, how is that fair?” he asked.

The operator continued “We are saying we need to meet with the authorities. For the past 20 years I been representing minibus operators here and we normally reach with Ministry of Business and Tourism. All of a sudden I am hearing that Mr. Edghill has gotten involved.”

Another operator from the same route noted that he has three other trade jobs to supplement the little he earns as a driver just to get by.

“The fare that currently exists cannot sustain we. From fuel to oil to servicing, is everything else price gone up. We have family too that we need to support, we got children to send to school too and when we strike is not only, we suffer but people commuters suffer…The government must consider we too,” he said.

Minibus operators at the Square of the Revolution in Georgetown shared similar views. Dozens of operators ventilated serious concerns and underlined the growing financial pressures they face daily.

“We dealing with fuel prices, spare parts, tyres, servicing, and fares in change in like 15 years,” another operator stated.

Mr. Allen a minibus driver, who spoke on behalf of operators in the West Coast Berbice stressed on the cost to keep their business going.

He said “On a monthly basis, we used to buy a Filter for   1500 we used to buy oil a quartz different types is sometimes is 2800 when you buy a used tyre was 7000 and $12,000.”

The man continued, “It is unfair for this fare from Litchfield to Rosignal for 100 for 27 years now it never changes and it is unfair to bus drivers/conductors.”

He said that the operators are open to dialogue with Minister Edghill and Minister of Tourism and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues. “We want to meet as soon as possible or we will strike every day until we meet a solution.” the operator urged.

A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Member of Parliament, Sherod Duncan, who was on the ground speaking with the affected operators in a statement on behalf of the party, said that the concerns raised by them deserve serious and respectful engagement.

Duncan noted that “The government cannot continue to impose decisions from above while ignoring the realities facing ordinary working people. What I heard today was not a call for confrontation, but a call for fairness, dialogue, and recognition of the economic pressures confronting public transportation operators across the country. At the same time, I fully appreciate the inconvenience being experienced by commuters and the wider travelling public as a result of the strike action.”

The APNU parliamentarian underlined he role the transportation sector plays in moving thousands of Guyanese workers, schoolchildren, pensioners, and families every day.

As a result, he called on the Government of Guyana to urgently convene discussions with bus operators, route representatives, unions, and relevant stakeholders to reach an amicable and balanced solution in the national interest.

“Consultation, compromise, and mutual respect must guide this process. The transportation sector is too important to be managed through threats, victimization, or unilateral declarations,” he said.

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• fare, fare increases, Minibus strike, protest, Vreed-en-Hoop

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