Speedboat operators plying the Georgetown to Vreed-en-hoop route are expected to keep their fares at $100.

The operators went on strike last Friday in an effort to increase their fares to $120. The strike action resulted in hundreds of commuters being left stranded.

President Irfaan Ali met with the operators on Sunday night at Leonora and according to his office, the President has committed to helping to improve the service of the speedboat operators and the landing area while continuously aiding their growth.

The statement from the President’s office did not offer any details on the brokered deal, but it also stated that the Vice President of the Demerara Speedboat Association Lallbachan Babulal, expressed satisfaction with the meeting and said members are looking forward to working with the President to improve the service.

The operators had complained that that they wanted the fares to be raised by $20 to cushion the effects of the rising cost of living and other operational costs for their boats, which have also been increasing.

Operators have said that they have not adjusted their fares in more than five years, while other other forms of public transportation have done so.

The Alliance For Change has called on the Government to waive the landing fees for the speed boat operators and to also offer the operators fuel credit to assist with their operations. There has been no response to the suggestions for the opposition AFC.

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