The ugly monster of increased bus fares has raised its head once again and consumers are being fleeced by the rapacious bus operators. Route 40 bus operators are currently trying to bully commuters to pay $80, whereas the fare is $60.
Many commuters not wanting to descend to the brawling behaviour of conductors and drivers of minibuses unwillingly pay the $80 being demanded. In this way the fares could eventually become the official fare.
For a long time now commuters travelling on Route 32 have been complaining about bus operators in the evenings charging $200 (in some cases $300) for destinations where the fare is $160. So earlier in the day the fare is $160 but later on the same day it increases to $200 or $300. This is because during the peak periods when commuters have to get home there is a shortage of buses at the bus park, and with no alternative means of transport, commuters are forced to pay the extra fare. Of course, there are many taxis but a poor, everyday worker obviously cannot afford that.
What is worrisome is that so far the relevant authorities have taken no action against these greedy bus operators, so the situation continues unchecked and the ordinary man/woman feels the pinch.
The issue of bus fares will always be with us because of fluctuating fuel prices which in today’s world is unstable on a frequent basis. Therefore, the logical solution to this problem is to implement comprehensive legislation and regulations which are legally binding and obligatory. For too long this problem has been  left to dangle in “free fall.” It has to be addressed with a greater sense of urgency or else poor people will be left to the mercy of the rapacious bus operators.
But the problem is not just about bus fares, it is also about the quality of service being provided by the bus operators. Many of the drivers and conductors are extremely rude, uncouth, unkempt, discourteous and their hygiene questionable, In addition, the seats in some buses are most uncomfortable and in a poor physical state. And of course overloading of buses has become an integral part of what has become known as the minibus culture.
However, while the public is being advised not to pay the increased fares there is no one on the ground  monitoring the situation so as to ensure that commuters are not exploited. The poor commuter in trying to avoid altercations with these uncouth drivers and conductors are therefore thrown into the “water with sharks.”
For some time now many persons have suggested, including this column, that the minibus service should be brought under the purview of the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) so that some semblance of order could be brought to bear upon this chaotic service.
Why the hesitancy to do so is unknown, but it was highly encouraging to hear the recent announcement by Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr Roger Luncheon, that the 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.
He also stressed that should minibus operators move to call  a strike, government is ready to again provide big buses for commuters and that Cabinet has already discussed this matter and Transport Minister Robeson Benn has been on the alert should a strike be called.
This is extremely good news because the minibus operators have an uncanny feeling that they could hold the travelling public to ransom at their whims and fancies.