Speedboat operators will not remove fare increase

May 28, 2011 News

– Bartica Speedboat Owners’ Association

Despite Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Robeson Benn, requesting passengers of the Bartica to Parika route not to pay the recent fare increase, speedboat operators are adamant in not removing the increase.
According to Gary Jordan, Executive Member of the Bartica Speedboat Owners’ Association, “The decision to increase the fare was not only as a result of the increase in fuel price but the high operational cost and the need to make the speedboat business economically viable in the district.”
He noted that on May 2, a letter was sent to the Minister informing him of the numerous reasons why the increase was necessary since the last fare increase in 2005. Although the letter stated that on May 9, the increase would have been instated a meeting was convened on May 13 with the Minister and the Maritime Administration Department and the association.
“Our last raise of fare was done in April of 2005. Since then, a lot has changed in the industry in terms of improvement of service to passengers and increase of cost of operation and maintenance to owners. There has not been a proportionate movement of returns to owners; in fact, nothing at all since then,” Jordan stated.
Jordan further noted that “all passenger boats are built with a shed, much to the comfort of passengers. There boats are being propelled by two motors each, much to the delight, comfort and convenience of the passengers.
“In 2005, a bateau cost $400,000 but today a shed boat costs $1.1 million. A boat used to be propelled by one motor while today two motors have to be used to propel a shed boat.”
It was noted that when the fares of other speedboat services in the country are compared by fee per mile a grave disparity is evident.
“The Vreed-en-Hoop to Georgetown crossing which is approximately 0.75 miles has a fare of $100; this translates to $133 per mile. The distance from Parika/Supenaam is 20 miles and the fare is $1,200; this is $60 per mile. The Bartica/Parika route is 40 miles and the fare is $2,000 or $50 per mile,” Jordan claims.
Jordan argued, “We (Bartica speedboat operators) travel the longest distance use bigger motors: consume more fuel and have the lowest fare. It is obvious that the cost of these vessels will be more than any vessel from any other routes.” It was noted that the increase in fare is only $62.5 per mile. To the association this is reasonable.
Jordan noted that when Transport and Harbours Department stopped the usage of the small ferry and commenced utilizing the large ferry in 2009 fares for vehicles increased.
He pointed to the fact that in 2009 the fare for car, van and pick-up used to be $1,260 since the change in ferry it is now $4,000.
It was noted that there are alternative mode of transport available in the area; if some passengers do not want to pay the increase they can use the ferry or plane.

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Speedboat operators will not remove fare increase

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