Essequibo Coast commuters who use the public transportation system can expect to see a more structured fare system for buses and taxis soon, the Ministry of Business said yesterday.
In a press release, the ministry said that the pronouncement was made against the backdrop of on-going discussions between it and the Essequibo Coast Minibus Association.
It noted that Minister of Business Haimraj Rajkumar, Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs Muriel Tinnis, and other ministry officials met with the association on Thursday at the Mayor’s boardroom in Anna Regina.
The members of the association were acquainted with various aspects of the recently introduced Minibus Code of Conduct, and there were also lengthy discussions on the operations of minibuses and taxis in the region, as well as their fare structure.
The release said that during the meeting, the association proposed a fare structure for Route 21 minibuses. Rajkumar promised to communicate a decision on their proposal within a week, while noting that the decision will be based on consultations with commuters in the region.
The press release added that senior traffic rank for the Essequibo Coast, Inspector Griffith, along with several other police ranks, were also present at the meeting.
Griffith explained that several minibus operators have been complaining about the Code of Conduct, despite it being a collection of existing laws.
The Code of Conduct, which contains guidelines for minibus operators offering public transportation services, was launched on February 16th, 2019, at the Stabroek Market Square by the business ministry.
Minibus operators are expected to abide by the code, which, among other things, prohibits loud and offensive music and offensive language, and discrimination against the elderly, persons with disabilities, and non-nationals.
Operators are also required to wear uniforms, along with an identification badge or card.
