By IANTHIA SMITH, Guardian Staff Reporter
ianthia@nasguard.com
Public transport drivers may not get the fare increases they are seeking before the busy summer period.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transportation, Archie Nairn said yesterday that it is unlikely bus and taxi drivers will be allowed to increase prices before the country's busiest tourist period approaches. Mr. Nairn admitted government negotiations on the issue have been at a standstill, but promised the relevant agencies will go back to the table shortly.
"We can't say if we're going to reach a decision before summer because it's still a work in progress," he said. "We now have to meet again and involve a number of other stakeholders including the Ministry of Finance and other people as well. So it's very difficult to put a timeline on this issue."
Workers in the public transportation sector are worried that the recent and expected gas price increases will leave a hole in their pockets if the government doesn't allow them to raise their fares. Albert Brown, Vice President of the Taxi Cab Union said as the summer months app-roach, thousands of tourists are expected to flock to The Bahamas, but Mr Brown says taxi drivers believe that if the current fares remain, they will lose out.
A gallon of gasoline in New Providence is priced at $4.31 at Texaco stations, $4.09 at Esso stations and $4.35 at Shell stations.
Mr Nairn said a special committee was formed late last year to address the concerns of public transportation drivers.
"Ever since there was a hike in gasoline prices, we've had a few meetings. So now that the price still seems to be escalating, I guess the urgency presents itself in terms of us having to address the issue," Mr Nairn said.
Cab fare for up to two passengers for the first quarter mile is $3 and each additional quarter mile is 40 cents. Numbers from The Ministry of Transport also show that the cab fare from the airport to Paradise Island, for example, is $27 and the fare from Paradise Island to Downtown is $8. These prices have been set since July 2001. The current bus prices are set at $1.
Mr Nairn said other government agencies will be added to the list of negotiators as talks continue.
"We have not met for a while, but I'm sure that we will meet very soon to move this matter forward," he added. "It is from that point that the decisions and recommendations will be put forth to the minister. But that is where we are at the moment."
