Starting out with six minibuses eight years ago, the Carly and Cindy Bus Service which operates the Georgetown-Lethem route now has 25 vehicles and earlier this month opened a branch in the city.
With the motto “Safe, Comfortable and Reliable Service” and targeting travellers to and from Lethem and even beyond the service was established after founder Carl Williams, an ex-soldier and cruise driver developed the idea since cruising had stopped and the only mean of travelling was by airplane.
Among the 25 vehicles, the company now has two 32-seat coasters.
Speaking to Stabroek News, wife of the founder, Bernadine Gomes said that the business started eight years ago in Lethem but on December 5 a branch was opened up in Georgetown at Robb and Oronoque streets.
“Before we had people just working from Georgetown while we were in Lethem but now we decided to move and bring a branch here also.
“We are always helpful and anyone can come in to us and explain their situation and we would be there,” said Gomes. “I think we are one of the best, since we are always [understanding] and put customers first ensuring they get the best,” she added.
The service is operated on a 24-hour basis and is open every day including holidays. Up to December 31, the Lethem fare is $10,000 and will revert to its usual figure of $12,000 from January 1, 2015.
Gomes said during the holidays, for instance the Christmas season, “we have been really, really busy since school and University of Guyana is out and there are many students travelling back to home, the gold miners would come out to town and go back to Lethem and so on.”
In addition, the Carly and Cindy Bus Service also does work for the government including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport. It is also associated with the Toshaos council and transports hospital material to Lethem.
Apart from the day-to-day routine, the bus service also caters for activities such as the Rupununi Rodeo which is said to be one of the busiest times. ”Sometimes the buses we have here are not sufficient around Rodeo time…(so) we would have to make double trip and so.”
A driver of the Carly and Cindy Bus Service said that he loves his job since it’s always adventurous. Jules Fredericks added that a return trip to Lethem takes approximately 10 hours but during this time there are stop points such as Oasis and Charlie’s Lodge where passengers are allowed to stop and have whether it is breakfast or dinner, refresh themselves or relax.
Gomes said the difficulties faced since the business was established were not many since there is always a way out with cooperation.
The most serious problem would be when the Georgetown-Lethem trail is in a poor state. When it rains the buses would get stuck on the way and even breakdown. But now the trail has been repaired and is much better, she said. “For us dry season is good time and rainy is bad one,” Gomes added.
“If a customer come to town and don’t know anything especially the Amerindians and don’t even know the drivers our staff is always willing to take them around, assist and guide them with honestly. To not do this is breaking a rule of the service,” Gomes said.
The Carly and Cindy Bus service is well known for trips to and from Lethem but they also cater for those who desire to go to Brazil or anywhere in Region 9.
