Mini-bus operators plying the Georgetown to Parika route pulled the brakes on their service this morning as part of a protest demanding an increase in bus fares. The bus operators complained today that their fares have remained the same since 2017, despite fuel hikes and an increase in the price for parts for their buses.
The Chairman of the Route 32 Mini-Bus Association explained to reporters this morning that it would be unfair for them to keep their fares the same when all of the costs associated with their operations are on the increase.
“I saw Minister Edghill advising the public that there is no increase in mini-bus fare, and what I am showing you here is that in 2014, we were promised $20 per year and if you were to put $20 per year on the mini-bus fare, you would see where it gone from then to now. We the operators add on a small increase in the fare and I personally took to the Minister Benn and the other Tourism Minister who is now at Home Affairs, a list that the operators propose five years ago, and Minister Benn call me back and say don’t put on no fare increase but five years we have given them in addition to 2014 to come and see what we are passing through as mini-bus operators and not only in 32 route but countrywide because we the operators cannot work with the fare structure that has been in place since 2014,” he said.
The Ministry of Public Works has stated that no authorization has been granted for fare increases. Government officials have pointed to the removal of taxes on fuel as a cushioning effect for the global increase in oil prices. But the mini-bus drivers are adamant that they are still facing hefty costs at the pump and in the auto shops.
One driver said the Government needs to be fair with mini-bus operators.
“Our vehicle is hard to maintain, to buy parts and to buy tires and everything, so we need a raise of fare.”
Other drivers said they believe their increases would be fair to members of the public.
Other bus drivers are expected to host a similar pause in their service tomorrow and later this week, pressing for an increase in the fares.
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension between transportation operators seeking cost recovery and government efforts to keep fares affordable for commuters.
