Minibus operators under fire for loud music, overcharging passengers

Public transportation in Guyana continues to be a major concern for commuters who face challenges such as overcharging, loud music, and reckless driving. During a recent, ‘Road Safety and You’ programme, citizens called in to highlight the ongoing challenges with public transportation, while police officials reinforced their commitment to tackling these issues.
Traffic Officer for Region Three (Essequibo Island- West Demerara), Superintendent Maniram Jagnanan, who was on the panel, addressed the public directly, reminding them that they have a role in curbing minibus misconduct.
“It is your duty to take the number of the vehicle, report them to the nearest police station. Also, if there are persons who are overcharging you in public transportation, take the vehicle number. You have a smartphone, it is the modern time you live in, and let us deal with those defaulting drivers.”

Several other callers expressed frustration over aggressive minibus operators demanding high fares, particularly during rush hours and at key transportation hubs. One caller shared his firsthand experience:
“There are thugs there and drivers there bullying you to pay double fare one afternoon, as much as $500 a person. The driver is smoking something outside. He comes in the bus. He’s got a Guinness. And he’s speeding down the road with loud music.”
Passengers who attempt to speak out against the issue often face threats or intimidation. “If you say anything, they want to beat you. One time, they put me out of a bus, and the other passengers were just laughing. Some of the passengers have no regard for their own life, so the drivers feel emboldened to do this.”
As a result, police officials confirmed that they are taking steps to enforce regulations against excessive noise in public transportation. Superintendent Jagnanan explained:
“Every single day, the Guyana Police Force (GPF) conducts exercises against hire cars and minibuses…If they are caught in breach, we prosecute them and lodge their musical equipment.”
Despite these enforcement measures, some minibuses continue to install large boomboxes, creating disturbances for both passengers and the general public.
A caller suggested that the police deploy undercover officers to observe and document violations firsthand.
“The police need to have undercover operators to go around in these cars and observe what’s going on. And in their own way, you pull in these people and deal with them.”
Additionally, there were calls for stricter penalties against offending drivers. Another caller emphasised, “No amount of education and urging and speaking to people, the drivers on the road, will work. You have to give them something that they are afraid of. They must fear something.”
The police made it clear that their efforts to regulate minibus operations will continue. Superintendent Jagnanan assured the public, “We are taking action, charging, and placing [offenders] before the court.”
However, he stressed that enforcement alone would not be enough, urging passengers to take an active role in reporting violations and discouraging reckless behaviour. The issue of lawless minibus operations remains a pressing concern, but with sustained enforcement and public cooperation, authorities hope to create a safer and more regulated transportation system.