By Shabna Rahman
Three years after the launch of the Chinese roll on/roll off ferries, commuters are satisfied that they arrive at their destinations much faster while others say better systems are needed for a smoother flow.
The MV Kanawan and MV Sabanto operate the Parika/Supenaam route in the Essequibo River simultaneously on a 5 am and 4 pm schedule.
Sometimes the boats are delayed for about half hour to facilitate late passengers or for maintenance purposes.
They take one and a half hours to reach their destinations and about another half hour to moor, depending on the tide.
Vehicle owners complained that the “ferry crossing is hard; we don’t get to cross sometimes because of too many vehicles.”
They told this newspaper too, that “they need to do another run, at least when there’s a lot of traffic.”
The cost to cross a small truck starts from $2,640 with an additional payment of $1,880 per tonne and for larger trucks, drivers pay $8,000 and with weight, it costs up to $20,000.
For cars and other small vehicles, the price start from $1,100 and for each passenger, the fare is $380.
The vessels, which boast a modern VIP lounge, have a seating capacity of 800 and can accommodate 20 trucks or 46 vehicles of all sizes.
Commuters are satisfied with the condition of the boats and are pleased that the
