$20 fare increase not enough for longer routes – minibus union

…$40 increase in the pipeline

The President of the United Minibus Union (UMU), Eon Andrews has noted that a $20 fare hike is too little for the longer bus routes; as such, talks are ongoing for a $40 increase for those routes, which were not included in the new fare structure released on Thursday.
According to him, passengers of those zones, which were not included on the new fare structure, will pay the usual transportation costs until the Business Ministry and the union decide on the most appropriate amount.
Andrews noted that the Business Ministry is in talks with the Union as they are seeking to increase the minibus fare by as much as $40 in four routes – 94 (Lethem to Georgetown), 63 (Moleson Creek to Georgetown), 72 (Mahdia) and 73 (Bartica).
“Those are long zones 60, 63, Linden, Mahdia and those things we’re still looking at because remember those are very long routes so $20 increase may not be

appropriate for an increase so we are looking at that,” he explained.
The head of the union was unable to say when the new fare structure for those zones would be made available, although the new fare structures for 10 other zones were already released.
He nevertheless said he understands that passengers in various routes were being exploited and were being forced to pay fares which were never legal.
He is therefore urging passengers to pay the new fares, in accordance with the new fare structures, which were released and is available for viewing on the Ministry’s Facebook page.
“Initially I had said in my proposal probably $40 more (for the longer routes) but that was just something I put forward. It doesn’t mean that is what it will be. It could be $60 you know, but I thought that the shorter routes should get $20 because we have to take the commuters into consideration because that is my most important concern although I represent minibuses,” Andrews added.
However, Guyana Times understands that the Route 72 has already increased its fares from $8000 to $10,000 per passenger.
The new fare structure for 10 different minibus zones were announced, following the recent report of a $20 across the board increase, expected to take effect from today, September 1.
Among the zones with released fare structures were 31 (Georgetown to Patentia); 32 (Georgetown to Parika); 40, 41, 45, 46 (Georgetown to Kitty/Campbellville, South/North Ruimveldt/Guyhoc, Main Street, Lamaha and Albert, Lodge); 44 (Georgetown to Mahaica); 47, 48 (Georgetown to Back Road, East and West Sophia); and 42 (Georgetown to Timehri).
Plans were first announced by the Business Ministry on August 20 for a $20 increase.

Andrews, during previous interviews with Guyana Times had said he is satisfied with the Ministry’s decision to implement a $20 increase.
In June, the President of the Minibus Union submitted a proposal for not only a fare increase, but for several other requests to ease the pressure on minibus drivers.
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Guyana (FITUG) has labelled the $20 across-the-board increase in minibus fares as a burden on the beleaguered working people.
The Union’s statement came one week after the Government made the announcement of a fare hike.
According to FITUG, although it accepts that the operators have found themselves in a difficult position, taking into consideration the ban on used tyres and increases in the costs of licences and fitness in addition to other increases, the new increases, depending on the route, could work out to as much as a 25 per cent hike in fares.
The Union pointed out that it believes the new fare structure would now require workers and their families, depending on the number of buses they would have to take, to fork out as much as several thousands more per month on transportation, though promised the ‘Good Life’ by the ruling coalition Government.