DHBC records close to 50% increase in revenue – GM

In an attempt to transform the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) into a self-sustainable facility, Government last year reduced the subsidy allocated to the entity from 0 million to a mere million. As a result of the cuts in the budget allocation, the facility increased its toll charges from in some cases 50% to as much as 200% in other cases, implementing those increases at the beginning

of this year.
Following implementation of those toll increases, forcing commuters to pay double the cost in most of the charges, the Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) has reported generating close to 50% increase in revenue.
DHBC General Manager Rawlston Adams, while addressing media operatives at a press conference on Tuesday, made this disclosure. He said that with that system in place, the DHBC is now highly dependent on money deriving from the public charges to offset the necessary maintenance and rehabilitation works to be done on the bridge.
Adams explained, “Going forward for next year, all capital works will be funded from revenues generated from toll collections. These works are not catered for in Government’s budgetary allocations.”
Given that the onus has now been placed on the DHBC to garner its own funds, the General Manager highlighted that the DHBC management is currently assessing possible avenues to improve the toll collection system currently existing at the Demerara Harbour Bridge.
In so doing, he pointed out, “We are engaging some consultants to relook at our toll collection system and devise a software that we can use.”
The company currently utilises the Point of Sale system, which has in the past resulted in a backup of traffic, with the lengthy procedures posing a challenge during peak hours. As such, DHBC management is looking forward to an update of the system so as to increase the efficiency of toll collection operation; but, more importantly, to ensure that it be conducted in a safer and timelier manner.
Among the features being pursued is a collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority to allow for the toll collection officers to be able to access pertinent information regarding each commuter.
This will complement the already existing partnership with the Guyana Police Force which saw the installation of cameras at the Demerara Habour Bridge to be used as a crime fighting tool.
However, these enhancements are still in the consultation phases, and it is unclear whether or not these upgrades would be implemented.