THE swift and decisive response to the recent minibus strike by some Georgetown operators was a clear signal that they cannot any longer hold the commuting public to ransom because of the monopoly status they enjoy in public road transport. The government must be commended for hiring buses to take stranded commuters to their destinations free of cost following the strike by those operating routes 41 and 46.
The operators pulled their buses off the road claiming that the stationing of the mobile police outpost at the Stabroek Square did not give them enough space to load and unload passengers.
As it turned out, their protest did not have much justification because steps were being taken to ensure smoother operations at the terminal area.
What is puzzling is that without even attempting to engage in discussions with the Transport Ministry, they opted to strike, leaving school children and workers stranded.
This is reckless and irresponsible behaviour since minibus operators should be aware that there is an established grievance procedure to resolve industrial disputes. It is only when that process is exhausted that the option of strike action comes into play.
It could therefore be argued that the spontaneous strike action may have had sinister intentions and was intended as a show of power. If that was the case, then the government checkmated the move and the operators are now left to ponder if in future they will engage in such irresponsible action.
Some time ago, Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, had hinted at the reintroduction of the big buses and, in light of the recent strike, maybe this idea should once again be placed on the front burner.
Perhaps the medium-sized buses like those hired during the strike, instead of the large ones, could be introduced even if only on a limited basis and operated only at peak hours, because every day hundreds of commuters have to wait for long periods at the various bus parks.
This problem is largely due to the attitude and immoral practices of some minibus operators.
On the West Coast and East Bank Demerara (routes 32 and 42), many operators, during peak hours, demand fares for longer distances from passengers travelling a shorter distance which carries a lower fare and if they refuse they are left stranded.
For example, a passenger going to Leonora (route 32), where the prescribed fare from Georgetown is $160, is asked to pay the fare to Tuschen which is $200. Some commuters, desperate to get home, especially mothers who have young children or those who may have a sick person at home to tend to, sometimes fall prey to these vultures.
This happens on route 42 as well but to a lesser extent than on route 32.
Another violation of their road service licence, by route 32 operators, is the refusal to take passengers to destinations before Parika, bluntly stating that they are not taking other passengers except those who are Parika bound. Some also operate only between Vreed-en-Hoop and Georgetown even though their road service licence clearly states their route as being between Parika and Georgetown.
So these operators refuse to take passengers who are going beyond Vreed-en-Hoop. The reason for this is, that the distance is short and they shuttle back and forth faster making more trips, and because of the large number of commuters at peak hours, they make more money in that way.
In this regard, the Traffic Department should consider creating another route for those opting to work only to Vreed-en-Hoop because it is unfair, unjust and illegal for them to be allowed to continue to pick and choose their destination at their whim and fancy at great inconvenience and discomfort to the travelling public.
Then there is the continuous problem of touts pulling and tugging at commuters and using the worst expletives and vile and crude language if they are ignored.
The recent incident is a timely reminder of the need for a comprehensive review and revamping of the minibus operations to ensure decent, acceptable and commuter-friendly service.
If allowed to continue to operate in the present manner, there will be further chaos and confusion and ruthless exploitation of the travelling public.