…due to increased tolls
The Demerara Harbour Bridge Corporation (DHBC) has reported a 50 percent increase in revenues since an increase in tolls became effective on January 01. General Manager of DHBC, Rawlston Adams made this disclosure at a press conference yesterday (Tuesday) according to the Department of Public Information (DPI).
Adams explained that vehicular traffic continues to fluctuate and the company is monitoring the trends. He noted that from 2018 the bridge company will have to utilise revenues from the toll to execute capital works which is necessary for the upkeep of the bridge.
Meanwhile, DHBC is engaging a local consultant to review and upgrade its toll collections system.
The General Manager stated that the company is currently using a point of sale software which could be upgraded to provide effectiveness and efficiency in toll collection, DPI said.
“One of the things we want to do is to have access to the GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority) database, so when you pass through the toll, we put in a number and all the information about that vehicle should come up. So, if your vehicle goes through the bridge and the information coming up doesn’t match that vehicle then that should send some red flags,” Adams was quoted by DPI as saying.
The GM noted that the point of sale system does pose a challenge for the company since it is not designed for toll collection and the receipts would have to be written manually resulting in the traffic gridlock. The expectation is that with the upgraded system those challenges will be addressed.
