THE Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce has issued the following statement in response to the unilateral fare increases imposed by buses plying routes 40 and 48 of the minibus zoning system. “It has been brought to the attention of the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce (MINTIC) by aggrieved commuters that minibus operators plying the #40 and #48 routes have unilaterally increased (their) fares, with the concurrence of the Guyana Minibus Association.

“Notices to this effect are posted in the buses as well.

“The Ministry wishes to inform the public that this action is contrary to an agreed position with the Association that fare increases will only take place as a result of astronomical prolonged rise in the fuel price. There is no increase in the price of this commodity, neither has any meeting among parties (been) held, nor (has) agreement (been) reached to raise any minibus fare.

“The action by minibus operators on the numbers 40 and 48 routes are therefore without merit, unconscionable and unauthorized.

“Commuters are urged to desist from paying the fare increase.

“MINTIC will continue to monitor this development, and will take appropriate action to ensure commuters are not callously exploited by those uncaring minibus operators.”