THE continued arbitrary increase of fares by mini-bus drivers on Route 32 continues, much to the chagrin of commuters.

And Minister of Tourism Irfaan Ali told the Guyana Chronicle that an advisory on the matter has been issued and members of the public are urged to report increases to the police or directly to the ministry.
He stated that police officers will be asked to act to enforce the current and approved fare structure and prevent unfair demands by transport operators.
According to him, the fare increases are not sanctioned and are unjustified.
Commuters on the West Coast of Demerara have been complaining about the issue since last Wednesday.
According to complainants who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle, the fares have been upped by as much as $60.
The new increases are reflected in a new fare structure implemented by the United Minibus Association and the Combined Road Transportation Association for Route 32.
Ali maintains that there is no way the Route 32 drivers can unilaterally decide to increase fares, adding that there have been no consultations with the Association on the matter.
The minister made it clear that the ministry has a standing agreement with the Mini-bus Association, which clearly states that in the absence of increases in gas prices, there cannot be an increase in fares.
Unilateral fare hikes by mini-bus operators have been an on and off cause of concern in the last three years, with some incidents resulting in strike actions that left hundreds of commuters stranded.
Earlier this year, Transport Minister Robeson Benn promised an investigation into the unregulated hike in minibus fares across the various routes at nights, whereby commuters are asked to pay double.

(By Vanessa Narine)