Dear Editor,
Conveniently, a letter was penned by one Rowena A. Elliot clarifying the increase by the minibus in regard to the editorial published the day before.
Whist the writer finds time to make the clarification, nothing was mentioned about the increases that have already taken place on certain routes by the minibus operators, or how to remedy these situations.
As it stands presently, the increase would cause some commuters at least $160 more a day, whilst the buses will be earning at least $300 more per trip. With all the glorious plans of enhancement as promised by the minibus union, I would like to know what percentage of bus owners the union represents, and if it’s in all the zones.
Most of the minibuses operate without conductors, and they still hold out to transport the minimum of 15 passengers. At Vreed-en-Hoop that is very much prevalent, and the monitor assigned there assists in loading these buses. Now passengers are forced to be in discomfort of opening and closing the door, and extra time is being wasted by this act. Already, the increase has started before the stipulated time, and with the increase, buses are still being overloaded. There are still bus operators telling you a fare which is far above the agreed fare, and this occurs mostly when buses are limited to passengers, especially in the evenings at the Route 32 Park in Georgetown.
Editor, since the authority responsible for monitoring the speedboats has begun publishing the rules, fares and numbers for complaints, massive changes could be seen by the boat operators, especially on the Georgetown/Vreed-en-Hoop route. This has all come about because the authorities are fed up with receiving complaints, and now people have access to telephone numbers that they could call immediately and report.
Perhaps the Guyana Police Force could explore the possibility of doing likewise, and establish centres within the Traffic Department of each station, and assign for each station a direct number that commuters can call and lodge complaints. Commuters can call a station, and the ranks could go out and wait for the oncoming bus, and press charges if the complaints are found to have merit.
With all the planned changes the union has promised, I am certain that most of those plans will not materialise. In order for bus operators to regulate themselves, they would have to be monitored closely, and a quick contact with the station is one of the best options in my opinion.
As for the dress codes, I surely hope to see the day that happens. If all the minibus operators cooperate and work in an orderly fashion, there would be no need for touting. While touting is illegal, I see the union and Ministry have plans to help enhance this.
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates
