Nearly 5,000 have crossed with Berbice ferry between September 21 and September 26, according to a statement from Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson.
A statement by the minister follows:
The Minister of Public Infrastructure, Hon. David Patterson has noted with concern the statements made in some sections of the media pertaining to the new initiative by the Government of Guyana in the form of river taxis plying the New Amsterdam/Rosignol route.
The Minister is reiterating that the move by the present Administration is a necessity for residents of Region 5 and 6 to ease the financial burden of the high price to cross the Berbice Bridge.
Meanwhile, the concerns of the minibus operators are on the Ministry’s agenda. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Hon. Annette Ferguson met with the operators is currently drafting a proposal to reach an amicable resolution.
“We are aware of their concerns and the common objective is to have a win- win solution,”Minister Patterson stated.
The River taxi service commenced operation on September 21, 2015 with three hundred and eighty two passengers enjoying the $240 return trip from Rosignol -New Amsterdam.
As of September 26, 2015, 2,276 passengers have utilized the Rosignol-New Amsterdam route, while 2,701 passengers have crossed the New Amsterdam-Rosignol route.
