NO agreement has been reached between the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the United Minibus Association with regard to a proposal by the association  to have minibus fares increased. Acting Tourism Minister Irfaan Ali had agreed to meet with representatives of the association yesterday afternoon, but nothing was agreed to as government is not inclined to agree to a fare increase, while the association is insisting that this was necessary.
The minister, last Wednesday, at a press conference, urged commuters not to pay increases, as this has not been sanctioned by the government.
Similarly, Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon yesterday remarked that fare increases in areas such as Sophia, South Georgetown, and on the West Coast Demerara, are unjustifiable.
Authorities will be moving to have the public transportation sector regulated by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), but in the meantime, commuters are being urged not to pay any increases.
Should minibus operators move to call in a strike, government is ready to again provide big buses for the minibus ridership.
Cabinet has already discussed this matter and Transportation Minister Robeson Benn has been on the alert should a strike be called.
According to Minister Ali, it was brought to his attention that the Minibus Association, or some operators, has decided to raise the fares without any consultation or discussion with the Tourism Ministry.
He pointed out that a press release was issued by the General Minisbus Association sometime ago saying that should gas price exceed $1000 per gallon, prices will automatically be adjusted.
However, up to noon Wednesday, the price for gas at Guyoil Gas Stations was $978. “It has not reached $1000. We are aware that some of the other gas stations might have been increasing their prices but we work with the price of Guyoil,” he explained.
Concerning the move involving the PUC, Ali said the issue of fares in the public transportation has a long history. “And I think it is injurious to the consumer to have to feel the brunt of unregulated changes, not having a proper mechanism or channel through which their rights can be protected.
“So I want to give notice that as minister, I intend to approach the PUC to bring this aspect of public transportation under regulation, so that any grey areas, ambiguity, would now be resolved. A clearly defined mechanism for setting the fares will be established.
These actions are necessary to avoid arbitrary, reckless confusion.
“We have to bring order to this thing. I have already had discussions with the Chairman of the PUC, and he assured me that after our discussions today, we will activate the process, and I see, within the next six months, it coming to an end,” Ali said.
Meanwhile, the Minibus Association is of the view that it is being disrespected, despite its contribution to the economy by paying road services licences and other vehicular fees.
At a recent press conference, the association announced the increase in minibus fares for short drops to $80 for all commuters travelling in the route 40 minibuses, while $60 and $40 will be charged for secondary school and primary school students in uniform.