Guyana: Public Works Minister Edghill Addresses Transportation Fare Concerns Amid Opposition Claims

Public Works Minister Juan Edghill stated on Monday that the Government of Guyana has not approved any increases in fares for public transportation across the country. This statement comes in response to claims made by opposition Member of Parliament Vincenroy Jordan, who argued that fares have indeed risen and that commuters require protection from these increases.

During an engagement with public transportation operators at Stabroek Market Square in central Georgetown, Minister Edghill emphasized that there is currently no increase in fares. He reiterated that the Government has not sanctioned any fare hikes for various modes of public transportation, which include minibuses, hire cars, speedboats, and airport taxis. The Minister assured that no commuter, whether a citizen or a tourist, is obligated to pay an increased fare.

Edghill also stated that drivers do not have the authority to eject passengers from vehicles for refusing to pay unapproved fares. He encouraged commuters who face demands for increased fares or harassment from operators to report these incidents to the appropriate authorities, promising that decisive action would be taken.

In contrast, opposition MP Vincenroy Jordan, in an interview with HGP Nightly News, maintained that despite the Government’s official stance, commuters are experiencing fare increases. He emphasized the need for the Government to focus on protecting ordinary citizens from these rising costs.

Jordan called for the implementation of policies aimed at reducing operational costs for transport providers and transportation costs for commuters, suggesting that this would create a fair environment for both parties. He highlighted that the increase in transportation costs has led to greater hardship for many Guyanese, particularly those who rely on public transport for their daily activities.

The Minister’s engagement with transport operators occurred amid increasing reports of unauthorized fare hikes. Public transportation in Guyana is classified as a public utility, and passengers are legally protected against price gouging under existing laws.

The exchange between the Minister and the opposition underscores a broader disconnect between official transport policy and the realities faced by commuters. While the Minister asserts that no fare increases have been approved, this does not prevent operators from charging higher fares. The opposition’s claims highlight the gap between policy and enforcement, raising questions about the effectiveness of the Government’s response to protect commuters from rising transportation costs.

Source: hgptv.com

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