Route 42 minibus operators back on the road
‘There is no increase in minibus fares’ – Minister Prashad stressed
SCORES of route 42 minibus operators, plying the Timehri to Georgetown corridor, staged a strike yesterday, to press a demand for $20 increase in ‘short drop’ fares and $60 for the longer journey.
They embarked on a sit-in along East Bank Demerara and demanded that Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad, who has the consumer protection portfolio, heed their calls for an across-the-board rise in transportation fares.
Many of the drivers and conductors are citing higher gasolene prices and maintenance costs.
A group of the striking Route 42 minibus operators subsequently met with Minister Prashad at his South Road, Georgetown office yesterday.
“Following this meeting, Route 42 minibus operators plying the East Bank Demerara course who initiated a strike action have decided to return to work and are back on the road,” a statement from Prashad’s ministry said.
Minister Prashad has also said that there is “no increase” in minibus fares and is urging commuters not to pay any increase.
The group of concerned minibus operators, led by Mr. William Thomas, during their meeting with Prashad, expressed some of their concerns such as rising vehicle parts price, maintenance and the escalating price of fuel.
The minister reminded that the arrangement that his Ministry has with the recognized minibus associations is that the fares would not increase unless the price of gasoline goes beyond $1,000 per gallon.
Minister Prashad will be meeting with the group of bus operators shortly to continue the discussions.
Only recently, the administration took steps to reduce the Excise Tax on diesel from 20 to 15 percent, as a result of upward movement in the world market price for oil and in particular, as a result of increases observed in the price at which diesel is being procured from external suppliers.
Also, with the aim of cushioning the impact on domestic consumers of significant upward price movement observed in the world market for oil, they reduced the gasoline excise tax by one third, from 30 percent to 20 percent.
Minister Prashad, over the past few weeks, have met with the recognised Minibus Associations including President of the General Minibus Association, Mr. Lylon Withers; President of the Guyana Public Transportation Association, Mr. Vibert Bell; and President of the Route 32 Minibus Association, Mr. James Cowsil, who all assured that they have not endorsed any increase in fares.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Chronicle spoke to some of the disgruntled strikers yesterday morning who are unanimous in the call for action on their behalf.
“When the gas prices escalated in 2008, the Minister met with the operators and we agreed that we would increase the fares once the fuel costs remained high. But, when they came down, we, once again, lowered our charges to suit,” explained Arnold Jagroo.
He said the move to halt operations along East Bank Demerara was not an easy decision to make, as they were cognisant of the fact that many commuters would suffer as a result.
“This is not a political move in any way. We are aware that many persons depend on us to get to work but all we want is one of two things, either the Government further reduces the Consumption Tax or agree to raise the fares,” Jagroo stated.

SUPPORTIVE
He emphasised that Minister Prashad has been supportive over the years, in representing the views of the operators and addressing their concerns.
However, many other zones have increased their fares and they want to do similarly, said Jagroo, speaking on behalf of the route 42 ‘short drop’ service providers.
Meanwhile, Dexter Leewong, representing the Timehri Mini-bus Association, said those who transport passengers to Georgetown want a $60 hike, which will push the tariff from $200 to $260.
“The cost of everything, including spare parts, has increased and we now have to spend an overall total of $25,000 to pay the operators as well as the owners in addition, to filling the fuel tank,” he stated.
With the greater expenses, there is not much left to refill tanks and service the vehicles, Leewong noted.
Others who joined the protest shared his views.
“I too have a family to feed and bills to pay. So what do I have to show for my time spent working on the road every day if I make next to nothing,” asked William Thomas a conductor.