MEMBERS/drivers of the route 56 Minibus Association are proposing that a “time system” be re-introduced, whereby the Berbice water taxis would halt their service several hours during the day in an effort to facilitate the operations of the buses.This proposal was made to Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Ms Annette Ferguson, during a meeting with her on Thursday.
Prior to the introduction of the water taxi service, the mini-buses were the main mode of public transportation plying the Rosignol/New Amsterdam route, where the one-way fare for an adult is $300 compared to $120 with the water taxis.
The drivers complained to the minister that since the new system was introduced, many buses “would barely get a load or two on a daily basis, and if the situation persists, as many as 49 families will be on the breadline.”
They suggested that the most viable option is to allow the buses to operate between 09:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs as was previously done when the pontoon was in operation.
Minister Ferguson assured the members that she would discuss their proposal with her colleague Hon. David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure and give them a feedback as soon as possible.
As for the difficulties the drivers face, she said “it was never the government’s intention to take bread out of anyone’s mouth. We are just trying to bring relief to Guyanese who felt the pressure of paying a hefty price to cross the bridge.”
Meanwhile, the association’s members clarified that their recent protest action was directed at the Berbice River Bridge officials, and their unwillingness to accept the $300 subsidy offered by government. However, at least one newspaper misconstrued their action for political mileage.