The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

JITNEY operators have pledged to maintain uninterrupted services while awaiting a Cabinet decision on their proposed fare increase, following what industry representatives described as positive discussions with Transport Minister Leon Lundy last week.

Harrison Moxey, president of the United Public Transportation Company (UPTC), said operators presented their case to Mr Lundy during Friday's meeting and agreed that their recommendations would be taken to Cabinet for consideration.

He said the meeting ended on a positive note, with operators hopeful the Government will support their request, although no final decision has been reached.

“We sat with the minister. They heard our case. We came to terms with presenting it to Cabinet, and we hope that our recommendations will be received. But it ended on a positive note,” said Mr Moxey.

He said the industry expects to receive a definite response from the Government by the end of this week, following the minister's opportunity to present their case to Cabinet.

“I would say that the meeting went okay. They fully understand, from our perspective, what we are up against, so we hope that's sufficient for them to make the right decision in our favour,” he said.

The discussions follow mounting frustration among bus operators over rising diesel prices, insurance premiums and maintenance expenses, which industry representatives have argued are making it increasingly difficult to sustain services under the existing fare structure.

Mr Moxey previously warned that operators were effectively running at a loss, pointing to the growing gap between their daily earnings and the cost of keeping buses on the road. The industry has argued that the existing adult fare of $1.50 is no longer sufficient and has sought an increase to $2.

In a statement following Friday's meeting, the Ministry of Transport said Mr Lundy met with representatives of the public transportation industry to discuss the proposed bus fare increase and broader improvements to the sector.

“Discussions focused on the fare review process, improved routes and services, stronger enforcement, and the future of public transportation in The Bahamas,” the ministry said.

The ministry said it remained committed to working collaboratively with industry stakeholders to build a safer, more reliable and efficient public transportation system.

Meanwhile, the ministry is planning a Town Hall meeting for Wednesday, November 4, to invite members of the public to share their views on the future of public transportation.

Mr Moxey said the meeting would provide an opportunity to gather feedback from commuters and the wider public as operators continue pressing their case.

The Ministry of Transport also publicised the meeting under the theme ‘Moving Forward Together’, noting the discussion will extend beyond fares to include service, safety, reliability and the needs of people who depend on public transportation.

The Town Hall is scheduled for 6.30pm at Government High School. “Your voice matters. Be part of the conversation,” the ministry said in its invitation to the public.

Mr Moxey stressed that bus services will continue uninterrupted while operators awaited the Government's response, following an earlier disruption in which drivers staged what they described as a sick-out to highlight their financial concerns.

The operators had warned they were prepared to take further action if discussions with the minister failed to produce a satisfactory outcome. However, Mr Moxey said they remain hopeful that Cabinet will give favourable consideration to their recommendations.