Dear Editor,
The recent increase in mini-bus fares by operators has indeed put a strain on the Guyanese travelling public, and for many of us it is unbelievable. The fare has been increased by as much as 50% for many areas, for example the people of Parfait Harmonie used to pay $120 now they are called upon to pay $180. Mr Editor, I would be very grateful if these mini-bus people would tell us where to get the extra money from.
All of us know that oil prices have increased all over the world but we also know that government was paying to cushion the effects of the rising oil prices and all this time the mini-bus association was threatening to raise the fare. The time has come for government to introduce legislation to re-introduce price controls. I firmly believe that people, especially the mini-bus operators, are taking advantage of the open market policy of the government. The government must take control of bus fares now.
The mini-bus association told the people of Guyana that they had taken matters into their own hands. That is lawlessness; the government has to make life easier for the travelling public by setting reasonable fare structures. I wish to suggest that the state through the Ministry of Trade issue official fare structures which should be displayed in mini-buses, and only those who accept an official fare structure should be allowed to operate. A failure to display the fare structure should be made unlawful.
Yours faithfully,
Clive Fredericks
