Dear Editor,
As much as I welcome the announcement by the Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Manniram Prashad that there will be a reduction in minibus fares, he really has no authority over what the minibus fares should be. The method by which this reduction has been brought about has serious repercussions for commuters and minibus drivers and conductors. We must understand that the decision the Minister has taken amounts to price control. In essence, this fare structure will be forced on to those who do not wish to accept it.
The police will now have their hands full with complaints from commuters who will be cheated by some conductors who will not return the right change when passengers are disembarking. Commuters might be required to pay their fares upon entering some buses, and arguments may ensue as to what they have to pay.
It is now the responsibility of the representatives of the various minibus associations to ensure that their members comply. However there is little or nothing that the authorities can do if minibuses fail to comply.
Yours faithfully,
K Persaud
