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Commuters waiting for their buses in the Lower Green Bus Terminal yesterday.

Make schoolchildren pay bus fare

“Make the schoolchildren pay!”

This seems to be the general consensus among those persons who spoke to The Barbados Advocate when a team visited the Lower Green Bus Terminal and Van Stand to garner the public’s reaction to the possibility of a hike in bus fares.

On Monday during the Estimates debate, Minister of Transport, Works and Maintenance, Dr. William Duguid, revealed that his Government is considering raising fares. And while he did not state by how much the fare hike would be or when it would be implemented, the Minister highlighted that this country has not had an increase in fares in over two decades, pointing to the fact that while the price of everything else had gone up – supplies, diesel, insurance and labour – bus fares remained at $2.

It was back in 2008 that then Prime Minister, David Thompson, announced in his 2008 Budget presentation that all schoolchildren in uniform or under 18 years old and carrying identification would be allowed to travel free on the Transport Board buses. Prior to this new policy, students were required to pay $1 per ride.

However, most persons interviewed were of the opinion that this is a position which needs rethinking.

“Children should pay the same as everyone else,” stated a group of pensioners sitting on a bench in the bus stand. They argued that these students find the two dollars to pay the minivans and ZRs, so they can also come up with the fare for the Transport Board buses as well.

Another middle-aged lady interviewed also echoed these sentiments, noting that only those in primary school should be allowed to ride for free. She also posited the idea of a welfare-type system for parents of those students who are genuinely in need.

“Schoolchildren, I believe, it’s time for them to start paying bus fares,” said another gentleman, who was also waiting for his bus. He mentioned that he lives in Speightstown and witnesses these students flocking to catch the public service vehicles every morning.

“Let them pay the same fare that the adults pay!” he stated, acknowledging that while it will be hard on some parents, “the same way they can stand up and wait on special vans, let them pay the bus fare!” (LS)

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