FOLLOWING numerous complaints by commuters against the increased fares demanded by the Enterprise to Georgetown minibus operators, President of the United Minibus Association, Eon Andrews yesterday described them as ‘mavericks’.

Speaking to the Guyana Chronicle, Andrews said that the group is noted for making unfair demands and being very choosy about passengers they transport. He added that they support the Union only for their self-interest.

Andrews said that the only time the Enterprise, East Coast Demerara minibus operators cooperated was during a strike for increased fares, and once that was achieved they ceased attending meetings.

He stated that the group is also noted for ‘riding the wave’ as it suits them and urged them to reform since the union is in dialogue with the Consumer Affairs body of the Ministry of Tourism.

Meanwhile, calls have been made for fares to be reduced in light of the significant drop in fuel prices at most gas stations, Andrews noted.

He pointed out, too, that those Enterprise to Georgetown operators work up to a certain time, leaving passengers stranded; and during the peak hours they demand $200 per person when the regular fare is $140.

In addition, the Enterprise bus operators also overload the buses although they are over-charging commuters and their general attitude is very abusive.

Andrews told this publication that they are rogue operators and the United Minibus Association does not support their behaviour. He is urging them to reform at the earliest since commuters are being bullied unjustly.

He reported that the United Minibus Association had a fruitful meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Tourism recently regarding a reduced fare structure following a proposal. They will meet again next Tuesday to agree on a workable solution that will benefit everyone.

Andrews also commend the Ministry for their readiness to hold dialogue with the minibus operators regarding the proposed new fare structure to be agreed on during their next meeting.

He explained that several meetings have since been held with most of the 14 minibus route operators countrywide and they will continue to work along with them to arrive at a favourable decision on reduced fares.

President Donald Ramotar, speaking at the recent commissioning of the Vreed-en-Hoop power station, noted his displeasure about the situation.
“Unfortunately, many of those involved in the transportation sector have not passed on the benefit that they are getting at the pump to the consumer and I still urge them to do so, so that our people can benefit from this cheaper fuel price that we have,” President Ramotar said.
The prices for oil have fallen drastically since June 2014, resulting in the government dropping gasoline and diesel costs by 30 per cent respectively, and kerosene by 42 per cent.
With the reduction in fuel prices, it was expected that the fares charged by operators of public transportation would have been lowered, but this is yet to happen.
Minibus fares for drops at different stages of a route remain at $80, $140, $160, $200 and $300 per person, while there have been no lowering of the various taxi fares, even though there have been calls from several quarters, including the private sector bodies, for the benefit to trickle down to the travelling public.
By Michel Outridge