ACTING Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Irfaan Ali has complimented those minibus operators who are maintaining the old fare structure. Speaking to the media last week, at his Ministry of Housing and Water Office, in Brickdam, Georgetown, he observed that some minibuses are still charging a different fee but that is based on if commuters hand over the increased amount.
If passengers pay the correct charge the operators would accept it, he stated.
Ali said: “We have not concluded on any matter relating to fares as yet and, for a matter of fact, there are different minibus associations that are now writing us.
“As you know, the Minibus Union is not the representative of all the minibus associations. There are different groups like the Minibus Owners’ Association that would want to meet with us to discuss this issue. So that’s what we’re working on.”
The minister had, recently, met with the United Minibus Association with regard to a proposal by the latter to have fares increased. However, nothing was agreed as government is not inclined to approve of the raise.
Ali urged travellers not to pay more, as it has not been sanctioned by the government.
According to him, it was brought to his attention that the Minibus Association, or some operators, decided to raise the fares without any consultation or discussion with the Tourism Ministry.

Gasolene price
He pointed out that a press release was issued by the General Minibus Association sometime ago saying that, should gasolene price exceed $1,000 per gallon, fares will automatically be adjusted.
Concerning a move to involve the Public Utilities Commission (PUC), Ali said the issue of fares for public transport has a long history.
He remarked: “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, we will activate the process and I see, within the next six months, it coming to an end.”
Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon also declared that fare increases for areas such as Sophia, South Georgetown and on the West Coast Demerara are unjustifiable.
Should minibus operators move to call a strike, government is ready to, again, provide big buses, he said.
Luncheon said Cabinet has already discussed this matter and Transport Minister, Robeson Benn is on the alert should a strike be called.