The United Minibus Union yesterday said that operators have not agreed to decrease fares despite the decision by government to lower the excise tax on gasoline.
Operators working along a majority of the bus routes continued to demand increased fares, which some from routes 41, 42 and 45 said they were willing to roll back once prices are lowered below $1,000 per gallon at the gas pumps. Operators yesterday told Stabroek News that they are being told at the pump stations that until the new shipment of fuel arrives, they will be forced to pay the same price. “We have to suffer until next week or so,” a driver said.
At a meeting on Monday with President Bharrat Jagdeo, the cut of the excise tax was announced. It was reported that as a result of the decision, some striking operators said they would resume operation and charge lower fares.
However, at a meeting called at Transport House yesterday afternoon, the President of the United Minibus Union Eon Andrews said that he was informed by a member of the union, Percival Etwaroo, who attended the meeting with President Jagdeo, that no agreement was sealed to have bus fares decreased. Instead, Etwaroo said, operators were able to voice their concerns about issues affecting their operations.
Andrews said the fare increases were not solely the result of the rise in prices, given that the cost of living on the whole has gone up. Operators have also been citing the increase in the cost of spare parts.
With regards to having bus fares fixed unless gasoline prices go beyond $1,000 at the state-run GuyOil stations, Andrews said it was unfair. He noted that some minibuses have specifications about the type of gas that should be used.
He also said the requirement could inconvenience some operators, who would have to make out-of-the-way trips to seek out GuyOil stations.
Andrews also denied accusations by several government spokesmen that the union is not registered. This, he said, was false since he was in possession of proof that it was registered through the courts of Guyana. It was also noted that the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) sponsored t-shirts and sign boards for the union. “How can a company of that standard sponsor a ‘non-existent’ union?” an operator asked.
According to Andrews, the meeting with the President was an opportunity to get operators into one space to intimidate then, particularly given the number of police officers present.
Meanwhile, the union has written a letter to the president and is currently awaiting a response. In the letter, Andrews related, a request was made to meet with the Head of State to discuss proper recognition of the union and the unwarranted detention of buses without any violation of any road law.
Meanwhile, union consultant Ronald Backer yesterday reiterated that the fare increases remain in place.
Backer, who said the union represents 12 zones, considered Monday’s strike action to be a success. He said that it was intended to simply “make a statement” in defence of their right to run their own industry. He said it was also intended to highlight police harassment. He further noted that the union will represent its members at any cost.
In an effort to contain fares, the Transport ministry has deployed big buses, which have been transporting the public at peak hours free of cost.
Andrews told this newspaper that he was happy about the big buses that are currently transporting commuters free of charge. “It’s competition,” he said.
However, a bus driver alleged that the big buses are operating without insurance and a registration to carry passengers. “This is their law and they breaking it,” the frustrated man said.
Commuters yesterday related that they have not been having much of a problem getting transportation but they are paying higher fares. “Well de fare raise a while now…. I already used to paying the $120,” one woman travelling to Grove, East Bank Demerara said. Another commuter, travelling to South Ruimveldt, complained that the government needs to find a solution quickly. “Is a $100 I paying to come to work and another $100 to go home. People can’t afford this,” the woman stated.
