Minibus operators on Monday staged a protest at Cuffy Square, disrupting several transport routes as they renewed calls for higher fares, arguing that the current fare structure no longer reflects the rising cost of operating public transportation.
According to the operators, increasing fuel prices, maintenance costs and daily living expenses have placed severe pressure on them, forcing them to work with unchanged fares for years. Fares were last increased in 2018.
Several operators told Ignite News that the current system is unsustainable, noting that while many passengers voluntarily pay higher fares, the official rates remain far below what they believe is economically viable.
“We are not against the public,” one operator said during the protest, apologising for the inconvenience caused to commuters. “But we need to be engaged as contributors to society.”
Drivers at the protest claimed that transport operators are often excluded from discussions surrounding fare adjustments and broader transport policies, despite being directly affected by rising operational costs.
One operator argued that proposed increases of about $40 were inadequate in light of inflation and the sharp rise in expenses linked to fuel, repairs and vehicle upkeep.
The protest also highlighted other challenges within the sector, including concerns over enforcement practices. Some operators alleged that police action against drivers can be inconsistent and unfair as they call for some reform in the industry.
Operators further urged authorities to consider introducing support measures for the transport sector, including subsidies or assistance with maintenance and operational costs.
The operators also warned that protests could continue if no agreement is reached with the authorities.
The demonstration came even as Public Works Minister Juan Edghill reiterated that no increase in public transportation fares has been approved for minibuses, hire cars, speedboats or airport taxis.
Speaking during a recent meeting with transport operators and commuters at Stabroek Market Square, Edghill warned operators against charging unauthorised fares.
“No fare increase has been approved by the Government, whether it is for speedboats, taxis, minibuses or hire cars. The fares remain the same. No citizen, tourist, child or worker should be forced to pay increased rates,” Edghill said.
He added that drivers do not have the authority to remove passengers from vehicles for refusing to pay unapproved fares.
The meeting was convened following complaints from commuters about arbitrary fare hikes, particularly during periods of heavy traffic and peak travel seasons.
President Irfaan Ali has also urged transport and speedboat operators to exercise restraint when considering fare increases, noting that the Government had already removed the excise tax on refined fuel to reduce operating costs.
Government officials said measures introduced in recent years, including the removal of fuel taxes and reductions in duties on key commodities, were aimed at cushioning operators and consumers from rising global costs.
