ROUTE 56 (Rosignol to New Amsterdam) minibus operators have begun protesting the introduction of river taxis on the Berbice River, saying they stand to lose the most.

This is even as government seeks to up the pressure the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI), which has thus far refused to lower its toll.

The river taxis began operating on Monday, offering free transportation to schoolchildren, nurses and pensioners, and very low fares to other commuters who use the service.
The 49 minibus drivers who traverse Route 56 see the implementation of the water taxis as a new challenge, which will force them out of business, what with family commitments and outstanding bank loans.

“The river taxis are a competition to us, as the population is too small to allow for the operation of two river taxis and the minibuses,” one driver told the Guyana Chronicle.

On Monday, this newspaper observed that six persons crossed on the MV Shanti from Rosignol to New Amsterdam at 15:30hrs, while the other river taxi, the MV Nicholas, had the stipulated 33 persons on board for the New Amsterdam to Rosignol crossing.

The drivers questioned the viability of the operation, noting that private boat operators are slated to invest in the venture.

“How can that pay, when the cost to build a boat, have it fitted with engines and safety gear exceeds $5M? they asked.

Minibus operators are also questioning the viability of the proposed $300 reduction for minibuses using the Berbice Bridge, because they say it will result in the passenger experiencing a fare reduction of a mere ten dollars.

They recalled being of service to the Transport and Harbours Department (T&HD) during the periods when the pontoon was out to service, and argued that a similar measure should have been implemented, which would have allowed “bread to remain in each person’s mouth.”

“When the pontoon broke down,” one said, “about ten buses were contracted by the THD to transport schoolchildren and teachers during the same period when the boat would have been operational. And at monthend, we were paid.
“But while the government putting pressure on the Bridge Company, they not feeling the pressure; is we the Number 56 bus operators… We are now suffering although we were already in business.”

The drivers contend that implementation of the river taxis will only affect those using the Number 56 route, as other travellers, particularly those travelling to Georgetown, will not cross with the river taxis.

Meanwhile, the T&HD said in a release Monday that 382 passengers capitalised on the river taxi service plying the New Amsterdam/Rosignol stelling route in an initiative implemented by the government to ease the financial burden on citizens commuting the Berbice River Bridge.

The taxis commenced operating from 06:00hrs, and ceased operation at 18:00hrs. Passengers on the 11 return trips made between New Amsterdam and Rosignol included 269 adults and 66 schoolchildren and pensioners, the Department said.
In addition, 47 students used the school contract scheme, an arrangement with T&HD that, in the past, had allowed students to purchase for $200 a card which was valid for a month to travel on a barge.

A one-way trip from New Amsterdam to Rosignol takes between 10 and 12 minutes and costs $120. That same trip over the bridge takes at least eight minutes and costs $300. However, the service is available to toddlers, school-aged children up to the secondary level, and pensioners free of cost.

Two taxis, each accommodating 33 passengers, will be operating the route on a one-month trial basis. As the demand increases, additional water taxis will be introduced, the T&HD said.

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, said he is pleased there had been no hiccups. “From all reports, it has been a good first day,” he said. The minister is also advocating for community involvement. “When my colleague Minister, Annette Ferguson [Minister within the Public Infrastructure Ministry] and I met the four Chambers (of Commerce) recently,” he said, “they were informed that when this initiative picks up, individuals in Regions 5 and 6 will have the opportunity to offer the service.

“We firmly believe in community engagement.”

Passengers see the introduction of the water taxis as “a great idea.” Shondell Benjamin of the West Bank Berbice village of Ithaca was heading over to Rosignol to catch a minibus to head home. She said of the service: “I really appreciate the move, because if I had to go over the Bridge, my return fare would have been between $800 and $1,000. Do you know how much I will be paying today, overall? $440! That’s right! Half of what I would have paid!”

Bath Settlement resident, Kemo Ramdehol echoed similar sentiments. He is a student at the University of Guyana Tain Campus. This morning, he parked his vehicle at the Rosignol Stelling, used the water taxi, and hopped into a minibus to Tain. The cost of his trip back and forth totalled a mere $640.

“Prior to this morning,” the young man said, “I would have had to spend $2,200 to cross the bridge, plus gas. Today, I spent $240 on the water taxi, and $400 to and from Tain Campus.”

Likewise, Vanessa Gangoo and Latchman Linder, who were awaiting the taxi service from Rosignol Stelling, were grateful for the new dispensation. Ms. Gangoo admitted she was excited about the service, and revealed she was going to NA to do a little shopping.
“A friend told me that it was a great experience,” she confided.

Asked about the financial aspect of the service, the Rosignol resident responded, “Well, I would have had to pay $600; but now, all I am paying is $240 return.”

Mr. Linder, who was accompanying relatives to the New Amsterdam Hospital, added that the water taxi service will allow him “to spend the extra money elsewhere.”