Guyana: Guyana Government Clarifies Public Transport Fare Regulations

The Government of Guyana has issued a warning to public transportation operators, stating that no fare increases have been approved for minibuses, hire cars, taxis, speedboats, or airport taxis. Passengers should not be compelled to pay more than the established rates. Public Works Minister Bishop Juan Edghill emphasized this position during a meeting with public transport owners and operators at Stabroek Market Square, following numerous complaints regarding arbitrary fare increases.

Minister Edghill reiterated that fares remain unchanged and cautioned that no driver or operator has the authority to remove a passenger from a vehicle or vessel for refusing to pay an unapproved fare increase. He encouraged citizens, tourists, workers, and students to report any operators who demand higher fares or engage in harassment.

According to the Minister, regulators will take decisive action against those found violating the approved fare structure. The meeting included several officials, such as Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce Susan Rodrigues, MARAD Director General Captain Stephen Thomas, Traffic Chief Mahendra Singh, and representatives from the Public Utilities Commission.

Minister Rodrigues reminded commuters that public transportation is considered a public utility, and passengers are protected against price gouging. She stated that formal complaints can be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission if individuals are charged above the approved fare. Rodrigues noted that complaints frequently arise regarding fares doubling during heavy traffic or busy periods, such as Christmas, and labeled such increases as unacceptable.

Both ministers highlighted government measures to alleviate the impact of rising global costs on citizens and operators, including the removal of fuel taxes, absorbing increases in shipping costs, and reducing duties on essential commodities. The government’s warning follows reports of some speedboat operators leaving passengers stranded at the Parika and Bartica stellings after refusing to work for standard fares.

Captain Thomas remarked that operating licenses are a privilege contingent upon compliance with regulations and passenger safety standards. He warned that operators engaging in price gouging risk having their licenses suspended or revoked. MARAD has already documented the identities of operators who stranded passengers over the weekend and plans to take action against them.

While reiterating that unauthorized fare hikes will not be tolerated, the government acknowledged concerns from operators regarding the rising and unregulated costs of vehicle spare parts. To address this issue, officials stated that the government will engage with major importers and distributors of automotive parts to explore ways to reduce overhead costs for transport providers.

Minister Edghill also instructed that all public transportation operators, including minibuses, taxis, and speedboats, must clearly display approved fare structures inside their vehicles or vessels for passengers to see. The government remains committed to ensuring a public transportation system that is safe, affordable, and fair for both operators and commuters.

Source: hgptv.com