By Tracey Khan – Drakes
[www.inewsguyana.com] –The United Guyana Mini Bus Union has rejected President Donald Ramotar’s call for a reduction in public transportation fares.
The President’s call follows several others that have been made by key stakeholders; however, despite these calls the Union says it is not prepared to adjust its fares, “just yet”.
The Union’s President, Eon Andrews during a telephone interview with iNews on Tuesday, February 10 explained that this decision was taken after intense consultation and consideration between the union’s executive and branch leaders. He added that due to the uncertainty of the fuel price on the world market, the fare cannot be reduced.
As a result of the drop in fuel, government reduced gas by 30%, owing to calls from the Private Sector in this regard.
Andrews explained that the union had to negotiate for five years for a $20 increase. He went on to say that the union does not own the buses that are being operated and cannot impose a fare reduction.
As such, the union related its position to the Ministry of Tourism recognizing the reduction in fuel but outlined their concerns including other operational costs.
