THE Berbice River Bridge Company (BBCI) has submitted a draft agreement to government with regard to the proposed reduction in the bridge toll, according to the Public Infrastructure Ministry.The document is currently being reviewed, and if there are no contentions, the government will sign the agreement.

Cabinet has been informed by Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson, that the BBCI has submitted a draft agreement relating to the proposed reduction in the bridge toll.

In November 2015, the Public Infrastructure Ministry sent its draft agreement to the BBCI for review in relation to toll reductions, while another copy of the proposed agreement was sent to the company recently.

Attorney-General Basil Williams and Minister Patterson were mandated to ensure that the agreement concurs with government’s needs and intentions, and to conclude this arrangement with the bridge company expeditiously.

Government had proposed a $40M subvention to the bridge in order that it reduces the toll. It had proposed that the rate for passenger cars and buses be reduced from $2,200 to $1,900, while all other commuter types would enjoy a 10 per cent reduction in fares.
Government was hoping that the reduction would have kicked in by December 1, but in the meantime, the administration introduced river taxis to ease the burden on commuters, and this measure was highly appreciated and utilised by thousands of people.