More structured fare system soon for Route 21 buses

Dear Editor,

Commuters using Route 21 buses and taxis on the Essequibo Coast should have a more structured fare system soon. This is a result of ongoing discussions between the Ministry of Business and the Essequibo Coast Minibus Association. On July 18, Minister of Business, Haimraj Rajkumar, Director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, Muriel Tinnis and other representatives of the Ministry of Business, met with the association at the Mayor’s Boardroom at Anna Regina. The members of the association were apprised of the various aspects of the recently introduced, Minibus Code of Conduct. There were also lengthy discussions on the operations of minibuses and taxis in the region, as well as the fare structure.

Minister Rajkumar noted that Essequibo is expected to see increased visitors soon and stressed that minibuses are essential players in providing a service to tourists. He emphasized that the hospitality Essequibo offers, starts from Supenaam. Minister Rajkumar told Minibus operators that there must be orderliness and structure in the transportation service on Essequibo Coast. He encouraged all minibuses to be a part of an active association.

During the meeting, the association proposed a fare structure for Route 21 minibuses. Minister Rajkumar, in response, promised to communicate a decision on their proposal within a week, noting that this decision will be based on consultations with commuters in the region.

Also attending the meeting, was senior traffic rank for the Essequibo Coast, Inspector Griffith, along with several ranks of the Guyana Police Force. Inspector Griffith noted that several minibus operators have been complaining about the code of conduct, when in fact, the code is simply a collection of existing laws.

Yours faithfully, Cordell McClure Communication Officer Ministry of Business