Drivers plying the Linden to Kwakwani route have reduced bus fares from $3,000 to $2,500, following significant upgrades to the Linden/Ituni/Kwakwani road, the Department of Public Information (DPI) has reported.
In 2017, drivers had increased the fare by $500 citing added expenses due to the condition of the road.
However, following the repairs, drivers reported that they were making fewer trips to the repair shops and their vehicles are consuming less gas, hence the fare reduction.
Regional Vice Chairman Elroy Adolph expressed satisfaction with the price reduction. He also lauded the Ministry of Natural Resources for addressing the issue, and allocating substantial funds needed to execute major repairs on the road.
“The trail is very smooth right now, and the drivers have kept their word, and so residents now have an ease of $500 and I am very happy for that”, Adolph was quoted by DPI as stating.
Commuters said the time taken from Linden to Kwakwani is now between one and a half to two hours as opposed to the previous four to five-hour trip.
Member of Parliament Audwin Rutherford pointed out that the contractor did an excellent job and also upgraded some internal roads not included in the agreement. This, he stressed, is “value for money.”
