Commuters being forced to pay higher bus fares

…despite further reduction in fuel tax
Despite the recent announcement by President Bharrat Jagdeo of a further reduction in the Excise Tax for fuel to stem the increase in bus fares, commuters are still being forced to pay the additional costs.
During last Tuesday’s meeting with minibus owners, operators, and representatives from various minibus associations, President Jagdeo informed them of the tax reduction aimed at cushioning the effects of the high world market oil prices and keeping bus fares stable.
Some of the operators have been vibrant in their calls for an increase and have staged strike action, insisting that the high gas and spare parts prices left them no choice but to ask for the increase.
Tuesday’s meeting followed previous conferences held with Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Manniram Prashad, and the representatives from the Guyana Minibus Association, Mr.Lylon Weithers; the Guyana Public Transportation Association, Mr. Vibert Belle; and the Route 32 Minibus Association, Mr. James Cowsil at the Ministry on South Road.
Minister Prashad had reminded on these occasions of the agreement made with members of the associations to retain the old fare structure once gas prices remain below $1000, which the further tax reduction sought to maintain.
However, in spite of all of the interventions and tax reductions, many operators are still imposing increases on the travelling public and have gone to the extent of publishing a new fare structure, which has not been approved by the recognized associations or the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce.
In response to this, President of the Guyana Public Transportation Association, Mr. Vibert Belle has condemned this flagrant disregard for decisions that the ministry took in consultation with the like-minded associations.
Alluding to the outcome of last Tuesday’s meeting with President Jagdeo, he said, “We left the meeting with the understanding that the operators will not charge any increase or change the old fare structure, and it is disrespectful that persons are still charging an increase.”
Belle explained, “Persons should adhere to the agreement and keep in mind what the government is doing to help the situation.”
He urged commuters not to pay any increase in fares along any of the routes.
Meanwhile, President of the Guyana Minibus Association, Mr.Lylon Weithers, noted that while there are commuters who are refusing to pay the increase imposed by some “unscrupulous” operators, they are being bullied into complying.
And so he is suggesting that the big buses be stationed at these parks to transport the commuters who are affected.
“They need to find out where this is happening and put the buses there,” he opined.
As to the impact of the tax reduction, Weithers noted that this would alleviate the situation once the price for fuel does not surpass $1000 per gallon.  
Mr. Weithers is also calling on commuters not to be bullied into paying any increase in bus fares.
Following the continued escalation of gas prices President Jagdeo announced that that government will reduce to 10 percent the already softened Excise Tax on fuel.

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