OWT&C introduces new rules: PL bus owners reluctant to comply

The members of the Private Regular Service Bus Owners’ Organization (PLO) whose buses transport passengers and commuters on the Paramaribo-Lelydorp route refuse to obey the new rules that were recently introduced by the Ministry of Public Works, Transport and Communication (OWT&C). John Mahadewsing, Chairman of the PLO, pointed out that the ministry recently introduced a ban on driving randomly but that the union members refuse to comply. The officials from the PLO on Friday were invited to a meeting with Transport Minister Patrick Pengel so that the issues could be discussed. Mahadewsing pointed out that the meeting is scheduled for today. The new measure will most certainly be discussed but the PLO will reportedly stick to its stance. “The organization will not adopt the new system which makes it mandatory for busdrivers to wait their turn at the bus stations”, said the union chairman. Mahadewsing added that the minister indicated that the fuel subsidy for the second and third quarter will be paid this week. For over a year the PLO has asked the government to raise the bus fares and the fuel subsidy. “The busowners are waiting for the decision of the director. They made it clear that they do not accept the new rule. “There will be chaos if we have to follow the rules because there are many passengers who wait for buses along the Indira Gandhiweg. What will happen to them. Will they have to keep waiting for the next bus to pick them up?”