Basis for higher minibus fares does not exist – Luncheon
Dr. Roger Luncheon
Dr. Roger Luncheon

– ‘golden yardstick’ of $1,000 per gallon for fuel hasn’t been breached

SECRETARY to the Cabinet, Dr. Roger Luncheon yesterday reminded that the “golden yardstick” of $1,000 per gallon for fuel has not been breached and hence the basis for an increase in minibus fares does not exist.

The fare increases that have been introduced by minibus owners and operators have been “rejected out of hand” by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and commuters have been urged not to pay them.

A report from acting Commerce Minister, Irfaan Ali to Cabinet earlier this week indicated that bilateral engagements have been held with the organisation that purportedly represents the interests of operators and owners but they have all been unavailing, Luncheon reported.
“The cost of fuel remained below $1,000 per gallon. Reasoning with the operators and their representatives is an activity of little benefit. Consequently, commuters who have refused to pay the increased fares have essentially flocked and taken up residence at the car parks, bus parks and Government has decided to intervene by providing free services for commuters on the East Coast, East Bank and over the river on the Bank and on the Coast,” Luncheon said.

Cabinet, in discussing what happens next, agreed that over the next two weeks continued discussions with representatives of owners and operators and a review of the situation as it affects the commuters would allow Cabinet to make determinations about the continuation of this programme.

“In essence, would the provision of free transportation continue after Cabinet would have considered the compiled reports of two weeks of operations of this initiative? So big buses are back in operation on those corridors and the review process is promised in two weeks,” Luncheon said.

(By Telesha Ramnarine)

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