Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn yesterday told the National Assembly that there are no plans at present to reduce the Berbice River Bridge toll this year.
He was replying in writing to a question by APNU MP Jennifer Wade. She had pointed out that it was costing schoolchildren $800 daily to cross the bridge and asked the minister if there were any plans to lower the toll in 2013.
Benn’s reply was that the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. charges tolls for different classes of vehicles and not for passengers. The present fare for a minibus or a car to cross the bridge is $2,200. He stated “At present there are no plans to reduce the toll for 2013”.
He added, however, that the Transport and Harbours Department of the Ministry operates a ferry service across the Berbice River between Rosignol and New Amsterdam. He said that the fare for schoolchildren using the ferry is $60 per return trip if they pay daily or $200 monthly if they buy a contract.