THE United Minibus Union monitor, Cecil Waldron, on Friday morning held a meeting with Route 32 minibus operators at the Vreed-en-Hoop minibus park, West Coast Demerara, to listen to concerns of bus operators pertaining to the proposed decrease in fares.

He told this publication that the Ministry of Tourism Consumer Affairs Department had asked that the Route 32 minibus operators lower their fares, but there were mixed reactions. As such, a decision was not taken.

Waldron added that opinions were expressed, and note was taken of the concerns which will be addressed by the Union at a meeting to be held soon.

He explained that minibus operators plying that route said that they load their buses on a “turn system”, and that as such, it could take four to five hours for a bus to fill.

The Union representative said the fare structure which was agreed on September 18, 2014 by the United Minibus Association, the Ministry of Tourism and minibus operators still stands, which is $80 per person for short drops, and $300 per person from Vreed-en-Hoop to Parika.

He stated that commuters had asked that with the lower fuel prices this year, the fares be reduced, but some said they could not manage that, since there are other factors involved, which should be considered.

At Friday’s meeting, about 35 to 45 minibuses with drivers and conductors were present to air their views.

The Route 32 minibus operators have three parks that are in Georgetown, Vreed-en-Hoop and Parika, respectively.