Hire car operators increase fares, reduce number of passengers being transported
COVID-19 impact on local travel
Amid concerns of the spread of the coronavirus and the concept of social distancing, some hire car operators in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) are adhering to the concept but have jacked up their fares.
A passenger’s hands being sanitised before entering a Route 56 bus
Hire car operators plying the Georgetown to New Amsterdam route have begun to limit passengers per trip but the journey now costs $2000 as against $1500 previously.
“Two passengers in the back and one in front so everyone has a window and there is still three feet between each passenger. We are still making our money and the passengers are safe,” one driver told this publication.
Operators at other car parks expressed different views – some related that passengers will have to make that request while others said it is not only for the safety of the passengers.
Drivers waiting on passengers at the New Amsterdam-East Canje car park
Operators plying the East Canje-New Amsterdam route have not implemented such a system, saying that fares will have to be increased if they adhere to the call for social distancing.
“Passengers don’t want to travel with just three in the car and pay for the extra seat because they say it is a short drop. If that is something that could be implemented it will be good,” Harry Paul explained.
Meanwhile, those operating along the Lower Corentyne-New Amsterdam route expressed similar views.
Dharmachandra Harrypersaud, who operates along the New Amsterdam-Rose Hall Town route, said if they are only going to carry three passengers, they will have to up the fare from $200.
“With three passengers they will have to pay $300 each. If we don’t do that, we would just be making back gas money. What happen to wear and tear?”
Another operator expressed some doubt but said it is a decision that individual passengers will have to make on the spot.
The only minibuses that operate in East Berbice for public transport are from the Number 56 Park; New Amsterdam-Rosignol, they are ensuring all passengers are sanitised before boarding.
One of the operators, Chitandra Harrypersaud noted that steps are already in place to assist in reducing the spread of the deadly virus.
“We are willing to carry less passengers if the passengers are ready to pay more. We have to pay the toll for the Bridge so we will not be able to carry less passengers for the same price.”
He noted that each passenger will be required to pay $400 to cross the Berbice River instead of the $280 that is currently being charged.
In addition, operators plying the New Amsterdam-Corriverton route have reduced the number of passengers they are carrying but did not increase the fares.
The fares remain at $700 from New Amsterdam to Corriverton. Drivers explained that they were instructed to reduce the number of passengers they carry in the back seat from three to two.
On the other hand, Regional Commander, Senior Superintendent Calvin Burnet told Guyana Times that the minibus operators were not instructed by the police to reduce the number of passengers they transport.
“We are a part of the Task Force which has been set up in Region Six and we are following the guidelines set out by the Ministry of Public Health. There is no regulation dealing with public transportation,” he told Guyana Times.
