Govt to subsidise fares for elderly, students
…seeking vessels with high safety standards
Government will be seeking existing vessels in Regions 5 and 6 that meet the standards to be used as part of the river taxi service.
Public Infrastructure Ministers David Patterson and Annette Ferguson met with the chamber of commerce of both regions yesterday to discuss the way forward. Patterson told a news conference that the Ministry of Public Infrastructure has made a proposal to the Ministry of Finance for the subsidising of travel for students and the elderly in the form of river taxis. This will also be discussed with the Education Ministry and the Ministry of Social Protection to finalise the extent of the subsidy for the two vulnerable groups. “Government has committed all efforts to keep our promise which is the reduction of the Berbice Bridge toll to commuters on both sides between Regions 5 and 6. But, the pace of the negotiations is not as expeditious as we would prefer.” Minister Patterson explained “There seem to be a bit misunderstanding where the government stands on this negotiation. The government has stated that the current charge for a car when we took over was $2200, we said to the bride company ‘fair enough’ the government will pay $300 per car, the bridge company said there were several other issues which they want to look and we said, but irrespective of whatever the other issues are, we would like to implement this $300 per car….The Bridge company would like the government to deal with all their issues which we inherited to be discussed and resolved in their favor, but we see no reason to delay the implementation since this is a commitment that we made publicity….”
Emphasising that the APNU/AFC Government has always wanted a reduction in toll for the Berbice River Bridge, Junior Public Infrastructure Minister, Annette Ferguson reflected that in 2013 a motion was tabled in the National Assembly by the Honorable Joseph Harmon asking for a reduction in the toll by the then government. This was however dismissed.
Meanwhile, Mr Patterson noted that the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) is currently spearheading this operation on the practicalities of the river taxis. “They are examining both the crossings at Rosignol as well as Blairmount. MARAD will be looking at the issues of safety for the vessels as well as the standards for the boats. The Transport and Harbours will be looking at the safety and conditions of the stellings and the crossings and they would have done examinations of the stellings along with whatever emergency works needed.” Minister Ferguson will also be meeting with the minibus and taxi association along with other stakeholders during the course of the week to ensure that when river taxis are introduced that the savings are passed onto the vulnerable groups through an agreement that will benefits both regions.