Will Cost of Public Transportation Go Up?

If you don’t have a motor vehicle, you might say that rising gas prices do not affect you, think again. If you commute via public transportation or taxi, it is very likely that your bus and cab fare will increase. News Five spoke with Transport Minister Rodwell Ferguson who says that he has already been approached by bus and taxi associations.

Rodwell Ferguson

Rodwell Ferguson, Minister of Transport

“I just got an email from the association this morning and that is a major concern – the cost of fuel. So when I go back to Belmopan, I will have to sit down with my C.E.O. and my management team to figure out how we can accommodate them some way or the other. But again, the commuters will complain that they don’t have the funds to even ride the buses likewise, but I think we have to find a solution to this problem.”

Duane Moody

“Who absorbs that cost? Does the government absorb the increase in fuel?”

Rodwell Ferguson

“Remember the government is elected to manage the affairs of the people and only the people will make the government strive because if the government does not tax the people, then the government has no money. Once the money is spent wisely, I think the majority of people will understand the situation that the government is, but if the money is spent wisely, they will appreciate it.”

Duane Moody

“So we can expect that public transportation cost or at least the fare will go up?”

Rodwell Ferguson

“That’s a possibility after we sit down with the association and figure what is the best way forward and what is the best approach. I know sometimes when they come, they may ask for the increase in prices or maybe the reduction in the duty only for them. So we will look at all possibilities and once we come up with an answer, we will let the public know.”