IMMEDIATELY after the Christmas holidays, I had the unfortunate experience of travelling in a route 32 bus between Georgetown and Leonora on the West Coast of Demerara. When I arrived outside the Stabroek Market where the route 32 buses were parked, I knew for the first time that the fare structure had been unilaterally revised  by the bus drivers/owners, some of whom also choose their destinations.
For instance, Mr. Editor, on that day when I turned up at the Georgetown bus terminal, there was a bus at the top of the line and when I enquired, I was promptly told that that bus was for Parika passengers only, but if I wanted, I could be taken to Leonora for $300.
I must point out that the official fare between Georgetown and Leonora is $160. I am not aware that bus fares on the West Coast have gone up.
I was advised to walk farther down the line, but only to find out that the fare was $200 to Leonora.
I had no other choice but to board the $200 bus to Leonora. I am a pensioner who is struggling to make ends meet. This is unfair and the government must intervene and put a stop to this practice.
I do not believe that it is a case of increased gasoline price as these people always claimed. I have checked with a few gas stations and was told that the price of gasoline has not been increased for quite some time now.
I hope the minister responsible for this sector would look into the matter urgently.