CHIEF Executive Officer of the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI), Omadat Samaroo, says that from the standpoint of national development and a business perspective, the entire directorate has always been committed to providing the most affordable fares that the company could provide. 

A more economical package for BBCI’s customers has to come about through careful technical, engineering[and] traffic analysis and financial planning and cannot arbitrarily be determined – CEO

According to the chief executive officer, BBCI is committed to a very challenging financial model under which the most affordable rates are currently in use. However, it also recognises that any lowering of the rates would be welcome to all involved.
Samaroo said also that the company will continue to use every opportunity to reduce rates where feasible. In that light, he pointed out that for 2013, BBCI has dropped its fares for the August tourism season and now offers a similar benefit from December 15 to January12, 2014 to accommodate the increased number of Christmas season travellers. The benefit of increased traffic revenues during these seasons can be given back to the customers and the Berbice economy, the CEO added.

LOWER TOLLS
He noted also that the BBCI is currently assessing its strategic position with the needs of the customers foremost in mind. And he posited that everyone would agree that with lower tolls the bridge would be more attractive to users and hence more vehicles would use the bridge.
Samaroo asserted that this is a good example of demonstrating that when more vehicles use the bridge, the tolls can be reduced. Meanwhile, BBCI would be continually working towards a more economical package for its customers, but the CEO cautioned that this has to come about through careful technical, engineering [and] traffic analysis and financial planning and cannot arbitrarily be determined.

AVOIDING INSOLVENCY
He said that BBCI must be careful not to price itself into insolvency, since this could harm all stakeholders. So far, Samaroo said, these high-volume periods can be used as a test for future traffic models.
The CEO, in the meantime, is urging everyone to consider the tremendous benefit the bridge has brought to Berbice and the country as a whole and to remain assured that BBCI is doing its utmost to continually improve its operations and to give back to its customers.