DHB to rake in $311M more from new tolls — increase to off-set maintenance cost

THE impending increases in tolls for selected vehicles crossing the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) will result in the company raking in $311M more annually and this will help to offset the maintenance cost which has increased over the years. This is according to junior Minister of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, who revealed at a Friday morning press conference that the company is projected to make $550M at the end of 2016. But will be expending $600M.
“Based on current traffic trends, it is projected that the DHB Corporation will make $550M at the end of 2016 with the current toll structure in place, while its expenditure – both current and capital – will stand at a projected $600M,” she said.
From 2008 through 2016, DHBC made an average annual income of $489M. For the same period, the corporation expended an average of $910M each year across both its current and capital expenditures. The corporation also receives a subsidy from the Government.
The ministry estimates that the projected revenue for 2017, with the new toll structure in place and based on the same amount of traffic, would lead to an income of $861M – $311M more.
The minister explained that this “significant increase” in income is important, because the corporation would now have more funds to dedicate towards its operations, while need for the Government’s subvention would be negated.
She said that some would question why the DHBC should stop receiving Government’s subvention, since it is taxpayers’ money and a service is being provided to taxpayers.
Minister Ferguson offered that it must be acknowledged that not every taxpayer is a user of the bridge, and it is therefore necessary to transfer this responsibility from the Government and to allow taxpayers’ money to go towards other sectors such as education and health.
Meanwhile, she pointed out that increased commuting via the bridge over the last few years has accelerated the rate at which damage has occurred and this has resulted in an increase in expenditure for remedial works.
“Over the years, the traffic on the Demerara Harbour Bridge has significantly increased, particularly among certain types of vehicles such as private cars, minibuses, and motor lorries,” she said.
According to statistics provided, in January 2009, approximately 74,000 trips were made across the bridge by private cars. By January 2010, this number rose to 86,338 and, by August of that year, it had risen to 163,000 trips by the same type of vehicle.
Similarly, for mini-buses, the figure stood at 39,000 in January 2010, but had climbed to 44,000 by July 2016. Motor lorries with two axles, also moved from 10,000 trips in January 2010 to 12,000 trips in August 2016.
“Outside of these vehicle types, there has generally been an increase in the bridge’s traffic,” the minister said, reasoning that increased traffic means increased congestion, increased damage and wear and tear, and, ultimately, increased expenditure for remedial works.
Minister Ferguson explained that since its inception, the Demerara Harbour Bridge has served as a crucial link between the country’s East and West Banks of Demerara, benefitting thousands of Guyanese.
“For thousands of Guyanese, the harbour bridge is a daily fixture, serving as the main access point for work, school, and commercial activity,” she said, adding that it is necessary for the toll structure to reflect the development seen in Guyana.

Below is a table detailing the new toll structure to be implemented January 1, 2017:
CLASSIFICATION PRESENT TOLL PROPOSED TOLL Motor cycle $20 $40 Motor car (private) $100 $200 Motor car (hire) $100 $200 4WD jeeps/SUV/Pick-up (private) $200 $200 Mini-bus $200 $200 Motor tractor $200 $300 Trailer (1-axle) $200 $300 Trailer (2-axles) $300 $300 Hearse $100 $300 Goods vehicle up to 2,200lbs (1,000kg) $100 $400 Goods vehicle 2,201-4,400lbs (1,001kg-2,000kg) $200 $400 Goods vehicle 4,401-6,600lbs (2,001kg-3,000kg) $300 $400 Motor lorry (2-axles) $500 $700 Motor lorry (3-axles)/Large bus $600 $700 Free pass $0 $0

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.