– as complaints mount over public transport charges
THE Government on Monday issued a stern warning to public transport operators against imposing unauthorised fare increases, as officials moved to strengthen enforcement amid mounting complaints of excessive charges by minibus, taxi, and boat operators across the country.
At a public meeting held at Stabroek Square, senior government ministers and enforcement agencies stressed that no fare hikes have been approved, and warned that operators found breaching licensing conditions could face suspension or revocation of their permits.
Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill described the situation as “untenable,” citing a growing number of reports from passengers allegedly being overcharged for transportation services.
“The case is clear: as of now, there is no increase in fares,” Edghill declared during the meeting. “No Guyanese citizen, no tourist, no child, no worker or anyone is forced to pay.”
The minister referenced complaints received by his ministry, including a report of a passenger allegedly being charged $2,000 for a taxi trip from Giftland to Cummings Lodge in Georgetown.
Edghill stressed that transport providers are obligated to comply with approved fare structures and cannot refuse service or remove passengers who decline to pay inflated prices. He urged commuters to formally report operators who violate regulations, assuring that authorities would take action.
“No operator who is licensed by the various regulatory authorities can order a passenger out, boat, bus or car, if they refuse to pay,” he said.
At the same time, the minister indicated that the government remains willing to engage operators to address challenges affecting the sector while ensuring consumer protection measures remain in place.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Susan Rodrigues, also reiterated that public transportation services fall under the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission and encouraged passengers to file complaints where overcharging occurs.
Rodrigues highlighted several government interventions aimed at supporting transport operators, including fuel subsidies, expanded road infrastructure, the relaxation of restrictions on imported used vehicles older than eight years, and changes to policies governing used tyres.
“We cannot have and we cannot condone the arbitrary imposition of increased fares,” she said, while also calling for continued dialogue between operators and the government to address industry concerns.
Assistant Commissioner and Traffic Chief of the Guyana Police Force, Mahendra Singh, confirmed that police investigations into the complaints are ongoing and that enforcement measures have already intensified.
According to Singh, the force has circulated information outlining approved fare structures and encouraged members of the public to submit formal complaints and statements to facilitate prosecution and regulatory action.
He disclosed that at least three road service licences are currently being considered for revocation due to alleged breaches of licensing conditions.
“The revocation is justified because the clauses of the same licence have been breached,” Singh stated. “The law will be respected.”
On the maritime side, Director General of the Maritime Administration Department, Captain Stephen Thomas, warned that boat operators engaging in price gouging could also face suspension.
Thomas noted that government measures, including the removal of boating licence fees and inspection costs, were implemented to help reduce operational expenses for operators.
“Operators who charge and price gouge, we will be suspending their licence, and they won’t be able to work,” he said, adding that other qualified applicants are prepared to enter the sector if current operators fail to comply with regulations.
Authorities say the increased enforcement effort is intended to protect commuters and ensure public transportation services remain accessible and affordable amid ongoing concerns over rising living costs.
