Bus owners reach agreement with Transport Minister

Bus owners have put their campaign aimed at getting the government to address their demands on hold. On Wednesday they barricaded the roundabout and the entrance to the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communications (OWT&C) located along the Jagernath Lachmonstraat. Faizel Bohlei, spokesman of the bus owners, told Times of Suriname that the Private Bus Owners’ Organization (PLO) reached an agreement with Public Works, Transport and Communications Minister Vijay Chotkan regarding the lockdown compensation. But the PLO and the Minister still have not reached an agreement regarding an adjustment of the bus fares.

Both parties have different calculations when it comes to determining the bus fare for a ride through the city. The ministry has promised to pay the bus owners their lockdown compensation via the PLO before May 29. The bus owners have demanded a daily compensation of SRD 350. SRD 250 is for the bus owners while SRD 100 is for the drivers. The bus owners want lockdown compensation for 50 days. The spokesman explained that the bus owners on Wednesday gave the minister a small taste of what he can expect, if they do not receive their lockdown compensation next Thursday.