Last week, in response to hikes in fares and at least one strike by minibus operators plying an East Coast Demerara route, the government instituted a free bus system along different routes using large buses hired from the Knight Rider bus company. This week, we asked the man/woman in the street what they thought of the government free bus option. Their views follow:
John Pompey, vendor – ‘Well as it stands the big bus option for stranded passengers is a good idea. It will assist the small people’s pocket. But they need to look at the idea realistically in terms of pricing, because their buses too will suffer the same wear and tear, plus they will also have to pay drivers and conductors too. Although they looking out for the passenger, they have to understand that the normal operators are running a business. They need to sell and make a profit.’
Julian Smith, taxi driver – ‘I support the move to have the government bus to ensure people not left stranded, but I don’t want it to be used as political motivation. How long will they provide free transportation? Because they got to pay the driver of these buses. I think at least charge a reasonable fare to ease those who can’t afford the increase. They are misconceiving the people. Remember their buses will need repairs too. So I don’t want it to stay and be used for political mileage.’
Onika McPherson, parent – ‘I think it is a good thing for the people who can’t afford to pay a higher fare. What happens to single mothers with five children who might not be able to afford to pay $300 per child every day? And besides, the majority of the villages have housing scheme and you will also have to still find taxi fare to go into the village. I prefer the big buses be permanent especially for children who need to get to school. Some buses even want to double up and charge children $200.’
Pernella London, commuter – ‘I don’t think it is a good idea, because they throwing out small buses. Raising the fee by $40 or so, will be profitable for the small bus drivers, who got families to provide for too. Yes most passengers will go for the free drop even though they spend more than $300 on things they don’t even need, sometimes without being bothered about it.’
Pernell London, bus operator – ‘I feel the price of things raising and price of the fare ain’t raising. We still got to continue buying gas even if it keep raising. And if the gas raise, what profit will we be making? Sometimes you don’t even make enough trips to make back your gas money.’
Oral Fiedtkou, security guard – ‘The government buses are a good idea right now, because people can’t do better. With cost of living so high how will people be able to afford the increase? The government buses should have been there a long time ago. Even though I agree that maintenance for buses expensive, some people going through hardships and will not be able to afford a raise in fare.’
Tricia Mantoos – ‘I think it’s something good and helpful to every citizen and it should remain permanent, not just for just a period of time because the private buses on the park after certain hours in the afternoon going into the night the driver refuses to go far distances and we are left on the road. The buses on the West Coast Park want $300 to go to Vreed-en-hoop and when you reach there you got to get a taxi to take you in the road, then you have to think about coming back to work the next day.’
Mala Permaul – ‘The new implementation that the government bring out for providing the buses for passengers for free should remain permanent. It will be helpful to people who can’t afford to pay the huge hike in the bus fares especially single parents who have children to send to school. Sometimes at certain hours the
drivers want to double up the passengers and they still have to pay double the fare. They also refuse to go long distances.’
Rhonda Michel – ‘The government did the right thing to bring in the buses because having to pay $200 a head to reach our destination is very unfair. As soon as 2 o’clock reach, the fares rise regardless if it’s a child or adult everybody have to pay double the money. These drivers out there don’t think about single parents who have it hard and people who are not working. When the children finish paying $200 to reach to school where they will find the money to buy lunch or do anything else? It’s harder on the parents, they have to find more money to send their children to school.’
Orin Layne – ‘I feel that the free transportation system offer by the government is a step in the right direction providing that the government is not using it as an election gimmick. If the government is bringing these buses because the minibus operators raising their fares in relation to the hike in the prices of gas and they want to make it easier on passengers that’s something really good but on the other hand I really hope it just don’t last for a while and stop after the elections.’
