The government is set to have a town hall meeting this week to update the public and get feedback on plans for the country’s bus system, Minister of Energy and Transport Jobeth Coleby-Davis said Friday, adding that bus drivers could soon get a 25 cent increase on bus fares.
Coleby-Davis said the bussing sector received exemptions earlier this year to ease some of the economic pressures on them.
She explained that the upcoming town hall meeting is a formality that has to happen before the government can move further ahead with reforms of the public transportation sector, which includes a bus fare increase.
“That’s going to be a conversation with the public and the bus drivers and how we can transform the industry,” said Coleby-Davis.
“And that was a condition of us getting the increase for them that was set by the Cabinet.
“And so I’m trying to fulfill that condition, to make sure we hear from the public, and we’re able to provide a plan going forward to a better transformative industry of transportation.
“They [bus drivers] should be able to get something as soon as we’re done with those public town halls.”
Coleby-Davis said she understands the frustrations of the sector and is working to make headway.
“I know their frustrations. I understand we are dealing with increasing prices all around, and so everyone has concerns. I don’t take it personal, I’m doing my best,” she said.
“I’m working as hard as I can. And we are making headway. It isn’t just me that has to make these decisions. And so I try my best to push as hard as I can to get things done for them.
“I think we’re going to be in a better space once we have that first town hall, because everyone will have a full appreciation of what we’re trying to do.”
