MINISTER of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad yesterday declared that the mini-bus fare from Georgetown to Parika, East Bank Essequibo, remains at $360, even though  a number of mini-bus operators are charging passengers more. He called a meeting with Chairman and other members of the Route 32 Mini-bus Association following complaints from commuters that they are being asked to pay more.
Speaking at his office on South Road, Georgetown, he said an increase has not been sanctioned by the ministry or by the association.    The minister said he will meet again with the association within a month’s time to determine the structure of the fare so that passengers will not be made to pay the full amount if they get off before Parika.
“The government has reduced its excise tax on gasoline and diesel to make sure that the price of gas does not exceed $1,000. Only recently, President Jagdeo announced the reduction of the excise tax on diesel to 15 percent,” Prashad pointed out.
He said, too, that the Consumer Division of the ministry is monitoring the situation carefully to ensure that commuters are not ripped off.
Chairman of the Mini-bus Association, James Cowsil, said drops between Georgetown and Parika will be re-examined and adjustments to these fares would be made known within a month’s time.  (Telesha Persaud)