Speedboat operator suspended for overcharging passengers

The Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) on Friday stated that the speedboat operator and his bowman were suspended for increasing the fare from $100 to $500 to cross the Demerara River between Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop.

In a video posted to social media, a passenger and the captain and bowman were involved in an exchange over the increase in fare.

“MARAD is aware of a video circulating on social media showing a boat operator plying the Georgetown to Vreed-en-Hoop route, verbally abusing passengers and illegally demanding fares above the approved level of $100.

“MARAD strongly condemns such behaviour and wishes to inform the public that the Captain and the Bowman of the vessel in question have since been suspended indefinitely,” MARAD said in a release.

Passengers are reminded that the water taxi fare between Georgetown and Vreed-en-Hoop remains at One Hundred Dollars ($100), regardless of the time of the day.

Any boat operator not adhering to the approved fare structure should be reported immediately to MARAD, the body said.