Route 42 (Georgetown/Timehri) mini-bus operators plying the route along the East Bank of Demerara yesterday staged a strike for increased fares, leaving many commuters stranded at the end of the day.
Like their counterparts in the city, the striking operators are demanding a $20 increase across the board. “We have a family too. Fuel, tyres, everything going up. We just striking for our money,” Pooran, a driver/owner told this newspaper yesterday. Sean Smith, another driver, stated that if the government is objecting to the raise in fare, it should lower the price of fuel to $500 per gallon.
The buses blocked traffic along the East Bank Public Road and later moved to the parking lot located between the National Stadium and the Princess Hotel, after police arrived on the scene.
Meanwhile, yesterday afternoon, at peak hours, commuters were seen waiting at the East Bank bus park. When asked how long they’ve been waiting, some said in an excess of an hour. “I think this is terrible… people can’t afford this. It’s already $60 for a car to go into Diamond. Them too raise too to $80,” a woman stated.
Another commuter complained, “Time like now this park is busy. If parts raise, then people should pay. I don’t mind paying because I gotta reach home.”
A young man, who was also stranded at the park, told this newspaper that it is very expensive to travel by taxi, especially for persons like him who are living in Supply and areas further up the East Bank. “People have no other choice but to wait,” he said.
Ronald Backer, a consultant for the United Minibus Union, later said that most of the operators have agreed to join the union, since they are the only route that is not a member of the organisation. He further stated that after operators complete membership forms, they will be issued with packages. Backer declared that as of today, fares will be increased by $20, from the previous fare of $60 for short drops and $100 for Grove and beyond.
The driver of one bus that was seen working said that he was on his way home and decided to take a load. He further noted that he is asking for the same fare until tomorrow, when he will officially be a member of the United Minibus Union.
