Minibus operators push for fare adjustment, cash grants amid rising fuel costs

Several minibus operators plying Georgetown routes, the East Bank and West Bank of Demerara, on Thursday parked their vehicles in a move to get the relevant authorities to adjust the current public transportation fares.
At the Square of the Revolution, a long line of minibuses was seen as drivers protested against what they described as unfair fare prices.
The protest came days after Public Works Minister Juan Edghill engaged public transportation operators at the Stabroek Market Square, where he reminded citizens that the current fare structure is the only one approved by the Government.

During the consultation meeting, Edghill stressed that no fare increases have been approved for speedboats, taxis, minibuses, or hire cars and that all fares remain unchanged. The Ministry also urged citizens to report any instances of operators unlawfully increasing fares or harassing passengers who refuse to pay additional costs.
However, speaking to reporters, minibus operators alleged that no drivers or operators were present at the recent meeting held at Stabroek Market, arguing that they should have been invited to participate in the discussions.
“We are out here representing minibus drivers, along with taxi drivers who are not here. We are concerned about the rising fuel prices right now,” one operator claimed.
“They mobilised a crowd to go to that meeting. We do not know where the crowd came from for that meeting, but those of us working around Stabroek Square knew nothing about it. No operators were at that meeting, so he went ahead and made it clear that there would be no increase when there was no input from the operators. That is totally wrong. You have to meet with your people and have a discussion. We have major concerns. We have families to feed.”
When asked what fares they would consider reasonable, the operators responded, “Presently, we are looking for $140 on the Brickdam route and probably $200 to Sophia. That would be reasonable to cushion the crisis that we are going through.”
The drivers also called for a cash grant specifically for operators, noting that other groups, such as fishermen and rice farmers, continue to receive assistance from the Government.
“We are asking the President and his Ministers to give us a cash grant. Fishermen get cash grants. Rice farmers get cash grants. Do something for the operators. All we are asking for is an increase.”
Meanwhile, other drivers cited rising fuel prices as a major issue, stating that the increases have made it more difficult for them to provide for their families.
“It has been over 10 years since bus operators received an increase. Gas prices have gone up, but fares have remained the same. Tyres, oil, everything has gone up. Airfare prices have risen, and nobody tells them they cannot raise prices,” another driver stated.
“We are out here working through sun and rain, transporting commuters. All we are asking for is a small increase. It has been about eight to 10 years since we received one. Nobody from 2017 is still working for the same salary.”
The operators also advocated for a more structured fare system while continuing to petition for a cash grant for bus operators. Meanwhile, Route 32 buses operating along the West Demerara corridor also took to the streets in protest yesterday, citing similar concerns.
In some cases, during peak hours, minibus drivers reportedly increased fares by as much as 100 per cent.
Just a few days ago, President Dr Irfaan Ali urged transport operators and other private sector stakeholders benefiting from Government fuel subsidies to “be fair to the public”, arguing that many have not passed on the savings to consumers despite billions of dollars in tax relief and subsidies aimed at cushioning the impact of rising global fuel prices.