The Tribune

By Youri Kemp

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Jitney drivers yesterday said their return to the road was "pretty slow" as they await the government's decision on whether to approve a proposed fare increase.

Rudolph Taylor, the Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Union's (BUDU) president, told Tribune Business that high unemployment combined with the COVID-19 mandated 50 percent reduction in seating capacity was likely responsible for small passenger loads.

While he was not personally on the road, Mr Taylor said his union members had informed him it was "pretty slow". He added: "Persons aren't moving like that because a lot of people aren't employed, so there wasn't a big movement of persons.

"I don't know when it's going to pick up. With so many persons out of work, I don't think that it's going to be possible until, hopefully, when the hotels start. So let's hope for the end of the month, and I guess we will see how it all goes.

Mr Taylor said jitneys were working every route this morning, but not all drivers came to work. "Things seems to be rough on the road at this time," he added. "Bay Street was dead for months now, and I recognise persons weren't going to work downtown and they aren't moving as free as they normally would. Persons are strapped for cash. All of these are factors play a role."

Jitney drivers are also "waiting on a response from the government" on the proposed fare increase that was submitted to it last month. Drivers had been hoping for a response prior to yesterday's resumption of business.

The sector is seeking a 60 percent increase in adult fares from the present $1.25 to $2, while maintaining those for senior citizens and children at the present level. The rise in margins is designed to compensate for lower passenger volumes.

"It's difficult on us as well with this slow period because, as gasoline prices went down, diesel prices didn't go down," Mr Taylor added. "But gasoline prices are back up on the rise again, and it is only a matter of time before we go back up on the diesel.

"So that is a factor that we also have to add into the costs again, along with hand sanitzer, signage on the bus, limited customers, masks as well as some opting to wear face shields. So these is some of the things that are coming into effect along with different protocols."