Bus fare raised City ride to cost SRD 1.85

As of Wednesday passengers will have to pay bus drivers SRD 1.85 for a bus ride through the city. The government which initially wanted to scrap the fuel subsidy reportedly decided to raise the bus fare with 35 cents and to maintain the diesel compensation until further notice. The Private Regular Service Bus Owners’ Organization (PLO) and the government will reportedly resume negotiations in July. The government is determined to (gradually) scrap the fuel subsidy which means that bus fares will go up again in the coming months. For now both parties have agreed to raise all bus fares with 233%.

PLO Chairman John Mahadewsingh pointed out that the union met with Public Works, Transport and Communication Minister Jerry Miranda on Monday and that the proposal that the government put on the table was presented to union members on Thursday. The union members reportedly gave their approval to the proposal. The PLO had reportedly presented a proposal aimed at raising the bus fares and maintaining the diesel compensation of SRD2.50 for each liter. The government wanted to scrap the subsidy but the PLO asked the government to postpone until a realistic bus fare has been determined. During future negotiations the PLO will focus on the price of diesel and the price of spare parts on the local market. The union chairman pointed out that both parties plan on finally introducing bus tickets. A consulting firm will be hired to prepare this project. This week officials will start registering all bus drivers. Measures will be taken against bus drivers who are not authorized to drive buses in the public transportation sector.