–but Code of Conduct slowly being enforced

THE Consumer Affairs Division has seen an increase in complaints against errant minibus operators since the launch of the Minibus Code of Conduct in February.

This is according to the Consumer Affairs Division’s Education Officer, Kushana Archer. “Passengers are much more vocal now in terms of filing complaints, sending photos identifying errant drivers and conductors,” Archer told the Guyana Chronicle, while explaining that commuters are more cognisant of their rights, and the roles and responsibilities of minibus operators.

Archer noted that with the help of commuters, the Consumer Affairs Division could effectively implement the Minibus Code of Conduct. She therefore called on commuters to demand quality service, and if those demands are not met, report the errant minibus operators to the division.

The Minibus Code of Conduct came out of collaboration between the United Minibus Union (UMU) and the Ministry of Business’ Division of Consumer Affairs. It also involves the input of the Guyana Police Force (GPF) Traffic Department and the Road Safety Council. It speaks to a number of guidelines, and reiterates a number of laws governing minibuses operators across the country.

Discussion on the Code began last year after the UMU successfully negotiated with the Ministry of Business for a raise of minibus fares across the country.

BRING RELIEF
The Code is aimed at bringing some amount of alleviation to the terrible situation that many commuters face in utilising public transportation. The minibuses, despite being operated as public transportation, are privately owned and many commuters find themselves exploited by the situation.

Speeding and overloading of minibuses, loud music, and harassment by conductors and touts are among the frequent complaints filed by commuters, and the Code is expected to address them.

It also requires minibus drivers and conductors to wear uniforms, and sets the foundation for the ‘tout system’ to be abolished.
Several of the drivers have agreed to wear uniforms.

“I’m 100 per cent supporting it, because it’s a public transportation, and you must be tidy, and your conduct up to date. Some of them got on a small pants; it tear up. No, you can’t do that! You got to get your things in order; is people we transporting, so I would be supporting that,” Junior Semple, a Route 40 (Kitty/Campbellville) driver told this newspaper.

Early this year, the Guyana Police Force carried out a campaign clamping down on touts who solicit passengers for the minibuses, often while harassing them. However, the campaign was not sustained, and many of the touts have since returned to the streets.
But Semple said that with the increased police presence on the parks, the ‘bus culture’ is gradually changing.

“I see some improvement, because police have been functioning in front of here 24/7, and I’m grateful for that. But we need a bigger park, because sometimes we don’t have space to fit ourselves,” he posited.

But while Semple sees the police as the solution, over at the Route 41 (South Ruimveldt) Bus Park, Gary Adams, who has been driving for approximately one year now, believes the police are not doing enough.

“They come out today, tomorrow they don’t. Something needs to be maintained throughout; that’s the only way order will be restored,” Adams said.
He, too, complained of limited space on the bus park for the buses in operation. According to him, the situation has further been compounded by the presence of vendors on the park.

MOST IN AGREEMENT
Many bus drivers are in agreement with much of what is contained in the Code; however, some believe that enough is not being done to hold consultations with the drivers, and for a systematic implementation of the Code.

“I think they need more consultations with the drivers and the conductors. They got to have consultations; and meaningful ones, or else it can’t work,” said Clem Providence, a driver on the Route 47 (East/West) Bus Park.

Providence said while he heard of the Code, he has never seen it. Nonetheless, he agrees that minibus operators must adopt a new culture of doing business.
“As a minibus driver, I always say, people are getting a far from satisfactory service, and I think the government should have encouraged 30-seater buses instead of these buses. With these buses, no system you can’t get, because they are so much. How you gon’ implement a system with 5000 minibuses. It’s very hard in the country because you don’t have any system,” said.

Some drivers, however, are more informed.
“I have a copy of it; I did not go through it thoroughly, but I read some of it. I am in agreement with it; I agree with it 100 per cent, so I try to keep within the requirements,” noted Adams, the Route 41 driver.

The Ministry of Business said the UMU is the only recognised bargaining agent for the minibuses, and therefore advises the drivers to join the union in order to be covered.
UMU President, Eon Andrews told the Guyana Chronicle that some steps are being taken to enforce the Code, but admitted that enforcement is a challenge. “There are still a lot of things that need to be cleared up. There are still some police that are falling short.

Some [minibus] operators waiting to see what will happen before they actually step out. What the Ministry is embarking on is to have outreach in the different regions, schools and other organisations educating persons. They’re now putting that together. Most of the other things it’s going to take some time,” Andrews told this newspaper.