By Subhana Shiwmangal
Speedboat operators plying the Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown route went on strike yesterday to press for a $20 fare increase, forcing government to deploy boats and buses to help scores of stranded commuters.
While the boat operators said the hike in the $100 fare is overdue as a result of the rising cost of living and the effects on their operations, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill was adamant that the government will not be approving any increases of fare for any transportation structure across Guyana at this time.
Edghill acknowledged that there had been engagements with the operators earlier in the year on a proposed fare increase but said the government’s position remained not now.
