EVEN though the prices for gasoline, diesel and kerosene have dropped, the prices charged by providers of public transportation to commuters seem to defy gravity, or in other words, appear not to go down.More than two weeks ago, and on the heels of a prolonged slump in fuel prices globally, Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh announced that the prices for gasoline and diesel have each been reduced by 30 percent and kerosene by 42 percent.

The good news was most heartily welcomed by all vehicle operators, including those in the minibus and hire car service as it simply means that the amount of gasoline they will get from a purchase of $5000, will increase by 30 per cent more than what they would have previously received.

It provides an opportunity for operators, many of whom work more than 10 hours per day, to earn a little more, thus enabling them a better chance to save, or save more as well as provide more for their families.

Many players in this sector are ordinary Guyanese, with commitments to their families, the bank or businesses. They would have purchased items that would allow them to live more comfortable lives.

So in a sense, concomitant with the reduction of fuel prices are various social and economic benefits, and in a developing country like ours, these could not have come at a more opportune time.

But there is a flip side to the matter, and that is, while private operators are smiling at the handsome slashing of fuel prices, the vast majority especially those in the taxi and minibus services have not adjusted their fares, thereby preventing a trickle down in benefits to commuters.

Under normal circumstances, a minibus fare of $100 to transport a passenger to full journey should be adjusted to at least $80 to reflect Government’s intention when it made the decision to reduce the prices.

On the face of it, a $20 reduction though a negligible sum, is still handy for minimum wage public servants with rent to pay and families to maintain, especially if they have several children, who, because of distance, have to utilise the services of a minibus to get to school.
The case of minibus operators is just one example; taxi operators have also not adjusted their prices and so too other providers of public transport, despite private gas stations have already coming on board, lowering their prices for diesel and gasoline in light of the reduction announced by Government.
Traditionally, minibus operators and taxi drivers have never shown any propensity to lower their fares, and the current situation is not too surprising.
But when there is an increase in prices, they are at the forefront, clamouring for a hike in fares to make their operations viable. And who should blame them, after all, they provide a vital service and their livelihoods are important as anyone else’s.

However, they should not forget that their livelihoods are dependent on the commuters and while the Government has been supportive in their time of need, it is imperative that they have the travelling public at heart.

A drop in the prices for gasoline and diesel should be accompanied by a drop in fares by providers of transportation services so that all can benefit.

The Government by its kind gesture has reached out to the providers of this vital service and the ball is now in their court for them to act fairly. They can do this by stop pretending that nothing has happened, and pass on the benefits to the commuters by reducing their fares.

And given that we are in an elections season, and commuters far outnumber transportation operators, it would not be a bad thing for political leaders to put some pressure on the latter to trim their bill since it is the former who essentially keep them in business.