Regulatory body for public transport being sought- Min. Patterson
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DPI, GUYANA, Tuesday, June 05, 2018
The establishment of a regulatory body for minibus drivers, boat operators and other forms of public transportation is on the cards, Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson has said.
Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.
Speaking with media operatives following the opening of the Kitty roundabout, the Infrastructure Minister explained that “It’s something that we have decided is needed so that they could regulate fares not only for the minibus drivers but other areas. So, there is a more organised framework for us to do it.”
The supervisory body will craft the policies that govern minibus and boat operators, ensuring they provide a quality service to the commuters at a cost that is not unaffordable. It may come under purview of either the Public Utility Commission (PUC), which regulates the rates and the operations of providers of water, electricity and public telecommunication services. or under the Consumer Affairs Patterson said.
Recently, minibus operators protested for fare increases due to rising fuel prices. Minister Patterson said he has engaged Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin and a larger and more comprehensive discussion on transportation will be pursued in that regard.
“It signals that we need a larger and more comprehensive discussion on transportation. I do think that we have to look at a transportation regulatory body, like you have the PUC which regulates electricity and water. After the discussion we will look into it,” Minister Patterson stressed.
By: Ranetta La Fleur.