ROUTE 44 (Georgetown to Enterprise) minibus operators continue to display rogue behaviour while overcharging passengers, overloading their buses and breaching a turn system, despite protest from passengers.These operators charge $200 per person, especially at peak periods, still place four-five persons in a row designed to fit three persons.

The regular structured fare is $140 per person. Aside from overcharging passengers and illegally overloading their vehicles, they also blare aloud music that is distasteful to women, some men and the elderly.

Even though there is a turn system to fill at the bus park on Water Street there is confusion when loading the buses as some operators selects passengers.

In 2014, discussions by the authorities were focused on the difficulties faced by Zone 44 commuters in relation to exorbitant fares demanded by operators after 15:00hrs and during peak periods in the morning.

It was agreed that the situation is untenable, and as a result, the then Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the United Minibus Union fixed a fare structure to eliminate the hardship.

It was decided then that anyone found acting contrary to the fare structure should report to the authorities monitoring compliance.

In an effort to prevent any exploitation by the route 44 operators, the Ministry proposed that the fare structures be posted in the minibuses, so that if any unauthorised fares are demanded, commuters can exercise their right to deny payment, and report the “minibus number” to the relevant authority.

Also, if commuters are refused entry into a minibus that demands a higher fare, they should again record that minibus number and report the matter to the law enforcement authorities.