Region 2 Chairman, Mr. Parmanand Persaud met with members of the executive committee of the Essequibo Coast Minibus and Hire Cars association on Tuesday and began negotiations to explore the possibility of lowering fares in light of Government’s reduction of the cost of gasoline.

Mr. Persaud said the cost of gasoline has gone down and so fares in the region must go down also. The chairman told the association’s members that he wants the ball to start rolling in Region 2 for the lowering of fares, so poor people could benefit from the reduction in the cost for gasoline.
However, Chairman of the Minibus and Hire cars association, Mr. Mohamed Nazmul, told the regional chairman that the existing fare structure on the Essequibo Coast came into effect several years ago after it was signed and agreed to by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce and the Consumers Association. Mr. Nazul said the fare was never increased, since that time, even as the cost of gasoline had increased several times.
Mr. Persaud said he is starting negotiations with the executive members of the association to explore the possibility of having the fare lowered. All of the members at the meeting agreed to go ahead with the negotiations.
The members told the chairman that they were not benefiting from the 30% drop in the cost for gasoline in the region. One member said gas is sold at $704.00 per a gallon at the Guy Oil service station, while at other private stations it is sold at $715.00 per gallon. However, the chairman intervened and said the price of gas has dropped, so fares must come down as well.
Another member Hardat Sahadeo quickly added that the drop in the price of gas is only one factor to be considered in the lowering of fares. He said spare parts and tyres are also expensive.

(By Rajendra Prabhulall)