The government is seeking to establish a National Transportation Association to regulate the public transportation service, acting Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali says.
The body is intended to address issues such as a pricing mechanism for public transportation, and ensuring a structured approached to the management and handling of public transportation in the country, he was quoted as saying by the Government Information Agency (GINA) at a meeting with the Berbice River Bridge Minibus Association on Sunday.
Ali, GINA reported, said that the ministry has been working with various groups that have indicated an interest in forming the transportation association. The association will collaborate with all the other sub-associations in the transportation sector to ensure that there is a more systematic way of dealing with issues such as the raise in fares and other issues. Ali also said that government is currently finalising the rules for taxis and taxi services and it expects to have this completed by next week.
Meanwhile, Ali told the minibus operators group that he would further review a request by it for the establishment of public restroom facilities near the bus park and relocating the bus park during the morning hours.
Ali’s visit was organised to address issues the Association had put forward in a letter to President Donald Ramotar, GINA said.
In response to a request from the Berbice River Bridge Minibus Association to establish a washroom at an identified location for commuters, Ali suggested that the group upgrades the washroom facilities that are currently available at the Rosignol Stelling instead. However, members of the group said this defeats its intended purpose of having the facilities installed closer to the bus park. The group had been hoping to erect a structure with support from the government and plans to carry the cost of its upkeep and maintenance.
The group also sought permission to operate from the junction leading into the Stelling from 6am to 7.30am. The Association said that during this period, the ferry is in operation and it is not easy to get passengers from the base location of the Stelling Park.
They further disclosed that this system is already in place during the evening when the boat is in operation.
The minister said he would inquire about the ownership of the location that the group had suggested for the toilet facilities and forward the request for the use of the junction during the morning hours to Local Government Minister Roberson Benn. He pledged to provide an answer to the group by tomorrow.
