Consumer Affairs Department engaging Minibus Union

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, June 21, 2018

Bus fares among other issues affecting minibus operators are being addressed by the Consumer Affairs Department of the Ministry of Business.

Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin in a recent interview said the Consumer Affairs Department met with the United Minibus Union (UMU) two weeks ago to hear concerns put forward by the body.

While he was not a part of the engagement, the minister highlighted a proposal letter that forwarded to him by the union prior to the meeting.

“They are looking for a fare increase, not simply based on the rise in the cost of fuel. But on the increased cost of a number of their inputs, like spare parts and those kinds of thing. I think it is worth having a second look at,” Minister Gaskin.

The Business Minister said the issue of minibus fares increase was raised in Cabinet. However, he pointed out that he is not the minister responsible for setting minibus fares.

“It is not my job to say yes or no to a fare increase. It is such a critical sector; any decision of that nature would have to be discussed at the cabinet level and that is what is intended.”

Earlier this month, the UMU delivered a proposal to the Business Ministry for a number of considerations, including a 25 percent fare increase for short drops and a $40 increase for longer routes.

Other requests included the removal of the ban on used tyres, excise tax reductions and proper management of the importation of minibuses.

By: Crystal Stoll.

Image: Keno George.