FORMER A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+ AFC) coalition Minister of Finance, Winston Jordan, has said that commuters should not be able to enjoy toll free travel across the country.
Jordan who has faced several allegations of criminal miscount in public office, attempted to argue that citizens would prefer to pay tolls at a lower cost to cross several bridges.

“Who don’t want to pay a toll; people said we will pay a toll but it must be a reasonable toll,” the former Minister said while appearing on an Opposition’s programme.
He further made comparison to the infrastructural systems established in developed countries like the United States, stating that most of the bridges there require a toll to be paid before crossing.
Jordan then alleged that the government’s move to implement toll free travel will decrease revenue for local town councils, highlighting specifically the government’s promise to offer toll free travel across the soon to be constructed Mackenzie/Wismar bridge in Linden, Region 10  (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

However, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) General Secretary, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, has strongly defended the government’s move to make major bridges toll-free, highlighting significant benefits for the ordinary man, once implemented.
At the recent commissioning of the multi-million-dollar Schoonord to Crane Highway, President Dr. Irfaan Ali had announced that when the construction of the new Demerara River Crossing, Berbice River Bridge, and the new Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge is completed, payment would not be required.
“It’s not monkeys that will cross the bridge; it’s our people. They would have big savings if they crossed the bridge; they would all benefit, including Norton, if he takes a trip across Region Three or goes across the bridge in Wismar,” Dr. Jagdeo said at a recent news conference.
This significant step will bring greater ease in travel while eliminating financial burdens on commuters.

The US$260 million Demerara River Bridge is a key component of the government’s strategy to alleviate traffic congestion, and foster greater connectivity between Regions Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), and Four (Demerara-Mahaica). Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

Currently, bridge-crossing tolls range from $40 for motorcycles to $700 for motor lorries, while cars and minibuses pay $200.
Meanwhile, in Region Ten, a bridge connecting Wismar to Mackenzie is underway, and once completed, commuters will also enjoy free travel across it. This project is slated for a 2026 completion.
On the other hand, the government is in discussion about acquiring the Berbice Bridge, and, once negotiations are completed, the toll to cross the Berbice Bridge will also be eliminated.