Police warn minibus operators against fare gouging, overloading

As Police traffic ranks continue to confront minibus operators accused of exploiting passengers during peak hours and engaging in dangerous overloading, commuters are being urged to speak out against such unlawful practices in the public transportation system.
On a recent episode of the Road Safety and You television programme, Sergeant Carl Pedro of Brickdam Police Station’s traffic department, admitted that minibus exploitation has become a persistent issue, particularly in the afternoons.
“We are aware of it. But I must say, it’s not all of the minibuses, it’s some of the minibuses. Because if the commuters, they go into the bus park where the line buses are, those buses charge the exact amount that they are required to pay. However, we have the problem with these buses that we call ‘the hot plate buses’,” he said.
“They come to the front of the line, and they take all passengers out during the rush-hour period. That’s from 4.30 onwards. That’s when they charge a higher amount. So, what we do now, in the afternoon, myself or my inspector, DeViro, we would go to the park. When the buses are loaded, we will have a word with the passengers. We will ask them to note what the fare is. We will tell them, this is the fare, this is what you are supposed to pay. If these drivers or conductors insist, you go to the nearest police station, or when you are on the minibus park, you point out the drivers and we will take it from there.”
According to the Sergeant, while not every bus operator engages in the practice, commuters are strongly encouraged to seek out legitimate operators.
The Traffic Department has already started targeting the parks where these buses operate.
Pedro also used the programme to remind the public about passenger limits.
“If a vehicle is registered to carry 15 or 14, that is the amount that it should be carrying. And if you, as a passenger, are paying a fare, that means that you must be able to sit comfortably until you reach your destination. If you enter a minibus and the conductor, whether it’s a conductor or a tout, asks you to just, as the term they use, ‘small up yourself’. Just let them know, no, you will not, you are paying your fare, your full fare, and you must be able to sit properly. In these minibuses, there are three seats, so three should be there,” he said.
Meanwhile, National Road Safety Council (NRSC) Chairman Earl Lambert made it clear that all passengers, regardless of size or appearance, are entitled to transportation once they pay the correct fare.
“And for those big-sized people who they refuse to carry, you can take the number and you can report it also, because you are entitled as a passenger to travel. So, if they feel by carrying you, it will lessen the amount of passengers that they should carry, meaning four in the seat instead of the three, you can report it. Because they have, by law, the right to carry you,” he stated.
He cautioned minibus drivers who use what he described as the “bully system” to take advantage of commuters.
The issue of reckless and exploitative practices in the minibus sector has long been a sore point for passengers, many of whom rely on public transportation daily. Police say enforcement will continue and are urging commuters to play their part by reporting violators.