Toll-free bridges: Gov’t could engage taxi drivers, bus operators on reducing fares

The government could engage taxi drivers and bus operators on possibly reducing their fares now that Guyana’s major bridges are toll-free, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo said Thursday.

As of August 1, tolls for the Berbice River Bridge, the Demerara Harbour Bridge, and the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge were removed. Some operators, such as those plying the Number 56 minibus route (from New Amsterdam to Rosignol), have dropped their fares, but others have refused to do so.

The Vice President explained that Guyana has a free market economy and, as such, the government does not dictate prices. S,o engaging operators would have to be done “carefully.”

Still, Jagdeo opined that such discussions may be necessary to bring further relief to persons dependent on public transportation. He also emphasised that the government wants taxi drivers and bus operators to earn a decent living.