AFTER months of deliberation, the government and the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) have struck a deal to reduce the toll for crossing the bridge. The agreement, which covers the provision of a Government subsidy to BBCI, will take effect from January 1, 2016, allowing for the bridge toll to be reduced from $2200 to $1900 for passenger cars and buses, along with a 10 per cent reduction for other classes of vehicles.
In an interview with Guyana Chronicle on Saturday, Minister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson explained that the agreement provides for BBCI to receive three months in advanced payments, as such, it will have access to a percentage of the $36M provided for in the budget.
Though the percentage is still to be “worked out,” it was explained after the first three months – January, February and March – BBCI’s financial data would be audited to determine whether the subvention was sufficient.
Back in August, the BBCI had rejected Government’s offer of financial subsidies to cover loss of tolls that would result from the government’s measure to reduce the toll on the grounds that its shareholders were not consulted on the matter. The government, in an effort to relieve the travelling public from paying high tolls, allowed for the use of river taxis for those who preferred that cheaper option. This mode of transportation was far cheaper and very successful, resulting in thousands of people, including school children utilizing the boats.
The reduction in the tolls to cross the Berbice Bridge was announced in the August budget.

Rates for Crossing the Berbice Bridge