Mini-bus fare kept at 15 per cent level -- Manzoor Nadir

by Sharon Lall
Guyana Chronicle
May 19, 1999


HEAD of the Guyana Public Transportation Association (GPTA), Mr Manzoor Nadir, yesterday said that fare increases have been kept at a 15 per cent level so that mini-bus owners could make a small return on their investments.

The United Force (TUF) leader held a press briefing at his Robb and New Garden Streets, Georgetown headquarters, and reiterated that the group has issued the recommended fare structures for the different routes.

These, Nadir said, have been calculated based on the increased cost of operating a mini-bus during the past six years, the distances that have to be travelled, the time it takes to make a round trip, and consideration for the consumers and operators.

"We have recommended the implementation of the new fares, effective from the beginning of May. We note the concerns of the travelling public and the importance of transportation expenses, especially for those families that have children going to schools."

On the fuel price situation, Nadir said gas has been hiked by a further twelve dollars and it is expected to climb, at regular intervals, over the next few months.

"This is an alarming development, in view of the current economic climate. The operators of public transport would not like to have to increase fares further. Thus, we are calling on the Minister of Finance to put a freeze on the amount of consumption tax collected on fuel," Nadir explained.

To date, this is an `ad valorem' tax (in proportion to the estimated value of the goods concerned), and is levied on the value of the fuel imported. As the price of fuel increases it means that the Government will receive more consumption tax on the same volume of goods.

"Already, the increased price of fuel will cause a $500M windfall tax in favour of the Government. Any further increase in the price of fuel will give more revenues to Government. This added burden is avoidable and Government must move to cap the consumption tax on fuel at the level of the budgeted projections," the politician observed.

The GPTA and other organisations that represent mini-buses and taxis, are expected to begin working towards improving the service offered to the public.

Among the matters that are to be tackled will be commuter-safety, parks and stops and an improvement in the appearance of mini-bus operators, who will be requested to wear uniforms and identification badges.

Nadir noted that the GPTA will also work on initiatives to stop speeding and risk-taking, reduce the working hours of operators, and cut down on overloading.

"We feel that the new fare structure will allow for a reasonable daily takings for operators and, thus, there will be less need to speed, overload and to be on the road for more hours."

The public, he added, has been calling for order at the parks, the removal of touts and inclusion of designated stops.

"We (the GPTA) will work towards the implementation of a turn loading system at parks, and the putting up of bus stops," Nadir said. To this effect, he will be submitting a proposal to carry out a pilot project on buses operating Route 40 (Kitty/Campbellville/Sophia).

The plan includes a `Pay-as-you-enter' system, to address commuters who are refusing to pay the new fares.

"We want to caution them (the commuters) that it is (a crime) to obtain credit by false pretence. Refusal to pay the price for a service that you have received, could land you in trouble with the law," the GPTA Head warned.

According to Nadir, the `pay-as-you-enter' method will improve the quality of service offered to travellers, in general.

New minibus fare structures sanctioned by the GPTA for routes 40, 41 and 45 are as follows:

** Kitty/Campbellville from $20 to $30; Sophia North/South Sophia area from $30 to $40; Main/Albert/Lamaha Hospital from $20 to $30; East/Lodge/Plaza Bridge $20 to $30 and South Ruimveldt from $25 to $40.

** Route 44 from Georgetown to - UG/Plaisance/Industry/Better Hope has moved from $30 to $40; Le Ressouvenir from $30 to $40; Agriculture Road (Mon Repos) from $40 to $60; Annandale from $40 to $60; Strathspey from $40 to $70; Melanie from $50 to $70; Enmore from $60 to $80; Victoria from $60 to $80; Anns Grove from $80 to $100 and Mahaica from $100 to $120.


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