Just three days after unveiling a free big bus service to force mini bus operators not to increase their fares, the Government has called off the free bus service and has started negotiations with the associations representing mini bus operators.

Commerce Minister Irfaan Ali on Thursday met with the United Minibus Union and their affiliate member, Zone 32 Motor Bus Association (Georgetown to Parika) and held discussions on the minibus situation countrywide.

According to a statement, “Both parties agreed that the situation must return to normalcy throughout the period of negotiations and discussion; that is, the government withdraws its action in relation to big buses plying certain routes, and the buses in the different zones reverting to the established structure until official agreement is reached and published in relation to the fares.”

The statement added that an agreement has been reached regarding the 32 zone’s fare structure.

This structure comes into effect immediately, upon its publication (19th September, 2014.) According to the statement, the new structure does not impose any new or additional hardship on the travelling population, while at the same time; it safeguards the interest of the operators.

“Negotiations with all other zones will continue, starting with zones 31 and 44 on Tuesday September 23, 2014 at 3 pm.  The fare structure stated hereunder has been agreed upon by all parties and will stay in effect for a period of one year from the commencement date”, the statement said.

Filed: 18th September 2014

See Fare Structure below:

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