Minister of Public Infra-structure David Patterson and junior Minister Annette Ferguson are to meet members of the Chambers of Commerce of Regions 5 and 6 to discuss the imminent introduction of water taxis for the Berbice River crossing.
At the press conference yesterday held at the ministry yesterday, Patterson said the government is hoping to begin this strategy at the earliest possible date.
While the service aims to bring financial relief to students and the elderly, no provision can be made for crossing of vehicles since the terms of the previous government’s contract with the Berbice Bridge Company Incorporated (BBCI) prohibits the use of vessels for ferrying vehicles.
Patterson said the talks with business persons in the two regions would allow for explanations on how government intends to introduce the water taxi service.
He said Ferguson, who will be the lead person on this issue will also be meeting with the minibus associations, taxi associations and other stakeholders during the course of this week to ensure that when the water taxis are introduced both regions benefit.
Patterson also said that while it has to be examined by the Ministry of Finance, at this stage there is a possibility of subsidizing the crossing for schoolchildren and the elderly. He said he sees providing a subsidy as the easiest way to reduce tolls for the general public.
Minister of Finance Winston Jordan had announced during his budget speech that from September 1, 2015 the toll for passenger cars and buses crossing the Berbice River Bridge will be reduced by $300 while the toll for all other types of vehicles will be reduced by 10 per cent.
However, to date, negotiations with the BBCI to allow for these reductions have not resulted in a resolution.
The reduction of the Berbice Bridge tolls was one of the promises made by the APNU+AFC coalition prior to the May 11 general elections.
