The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

JITNEY operators last night accused the Government of disrespecting their livelihoods by keeping fares low despite years of rising operating costs, with one declaring: "Please stop insulting us.”

Speaking at a public consultation on proposed bus fare increases, Rose, a bus owner, said she has been unable to save any money from her bus earnings over the past two years because of the costs associated with maintaining the vehicle.

"I am a senior citizen. 65 years-old. The Government give me $320 a month. How the hell are you going to get by on that?" she asked, describing her decision to purchase a bus as a means of generating additional income.

Rose said the financial pressures have become increasingly difficult to manage, arguing that operators are expected to absorb rising expenses while fares had failed to keep pace. "No more 50 cents, no more 25 cents. Nothing less than $2.50," she declared.

Her comments drew support from Harrison Moxey, president of the United Public Transportation Company, who said operators are being forced to carry the financial burden of maintaining public transportation without adequate assistance.

He pointed to rising licensing costs, saying fees that previously stood at around $203 have increased to around $650, while other operating expenses had also climbed substantially. "You can see her passion because she's feeling it," said Mr Moxey

"What she's telling you is that we, as an industry, are being asked to subsidise public transportation. In essence, that is what we are doing because we are bearing the burden."

Mr Moxey acknowledged that the industry had shortcomings and needed improvements, but argued that operators could not continue to shoulder the costs of providing a public service without greater government support.

Anthony Flowers, of Bahamas Express, also argued that operators are carrying a responsibility that should be shared by the Government, particularly when it came to concessionary fares.

"We are carrying the load, and it makes it very heavy for us," he said, arguing that government should compensate public transportation providers for carrying passengers who receive reduced fares.

Mr Flowers questioned why operators are expected to absorb those costs, while pointing to bus fare levels in other Caribbean territories as evidence that Bahamian operators were receiving comparatively little for their services.

He also rejected the suggestion that a fare adjustment should be conditional on operators first improving their conduct, arguing that such a requirement was insulting to those who were already providing a good service.

"Anything less than $2" was insufficient, he said, urging the Government to properly consider the financial pressures facing drivers and owners. Another operator said bus drivers routinely work 12 to 15 hours daily to support their families and maintain their vehicles.

He added that drivers are expected to operate seven days a week, often for as many as 16 hours a day, without the benefits and employment protections enjoyed by workers in other industries.

"We don't get recognised for the good that we do," he said, arguing that the actions of a minority of drivers should not define the entire industry.

Leon Lundy, minister of transport, acknowledged the competing financial pressures facing operators and commuters, stressing the Government had to find a balance between sustaining the service and protecting families who depend on it.

He noted that rising gasoline prices, vehicle parts and maintenance expenses are placing increasing pressure on operators, while households were also struggling with the cost of food, electricity and rent.

"For the working mother, the student and the pensioner, every dollar spent getting to and from home is $1 taken from somewhere else," said Mr Lundy.

He said any proposed fare adjustment will go through the appropriate approval process, and that contributions made during the consultation would form part of the Government's consideration.

The consultation forms part of the gGovernment's consideration of changes to New Providence's public transportation system, with further discussions expected between officials and industry representatives.