President Dr. Irfaan Ali says his government is considering a broad intervention to address public transportation costs, following repeated complaints from residents about fares, inconsistent pricing and the need for a more structured system.
Speaking at a recent press conference, the Head of State said public transportation costs came up during several public consultations, particularly from residents in large housing schemes and communities where fares can change depending on the time of day or night.
“This is a major challenge that we have,” the President said, noting that concerns about public transportation and its cost came up during almost all of the consultations held so far.
Ali said the issue is not limited to price alone, but also involves the absence of a clear structure in some communities. He pointed to areas such as Diamond and Tuschen, where residents have complained that transportation costs vary at different times.
According to the President, there is “no relationship” in some cases between higher fares and the actual operating costs faced by transportation providers.
Ali said the government has already implemented several measures aimed at easing transportation-related costs for both operators and commuters.
He pointed to the reduction of excise tax on gasoline and diesel to zero in 2022, the stabilisation of fuel prices and the removal of tolls from the Demerara Harbour Bridge, the Berbice Bridge and the Wismar Bridge.
The President said the removal of bridge tolls provides direct relief to more than 50,000 daily commuters.
Ali also said the government has maintained the removal of VAT on hinterland travel to the airport and has been investing in hinterland and community roads. He said better roads help reduce wear and tear on vehicles, which had been a concern raised by taxi operators.
The President also cited the $20,000 annual transportation allowance for pensioners and the $20,000 transportation grant for students as part of the measures aimed at reducing the burden of transportation costs.
“These are some of the things that we have done to reduce the cost of transportation,” Ali said.
However, the President said there continues to be a call for a more comprehensive solution, including the possibility of a public-private transportation system or a public-supported system.
He said some residents believe the country needs a transportation system that provides support for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly and children.
Ali said the complaints raised during consultations require policymakers to examine the entire transportation ecosystem and develop a formula to address the issue in a more structured way.
The President said the government also plans to meet with public transportation providers as it works toward an intervention that includes all key stakeholders.
“We plan on having some consultations also with the public transport providers themselves, so that we can have an intervention that is holistic, multi-stakeholder-based, and one that represents the interests of all the stakeholders,” Ali said.08:22
