Bus drivers on various routes are not complying with the fares set by the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Tourism (TCT), according to VHP parliamentarian Hakiem Lalmohamed. As a result, passengers regularly have to pay more than the official fare. The DNA member is calling on the minister to intervene and restore order in public transport.

Lalmohamed told TBN Prime Alert that he recently received complaints from residents of Lelydorp, Bersaba, Onverwacht and Zanderij. According to him, many residents of these areas are highly dependent on public transport.

Although the Ministry of TCT has set fares for every bus route, some drivers charge higher amounts, according to the parliamentarian. “If TCT has set a fare of SRD 18 for a trip, then people have to pay SRD 20, or instead of SRD 20 they have to pay SRD 30,” Lalmohamed says.

According to him, the situation creates uncertainty among passengers, who do not know how much they actually have to pay for a bus trip. He stresses that the additional costs can place a heavy burden on the budgets of families with limited financial means.

Passengers allegedly denied access to buses

According to Lalmohamed, it even happens that passengers who refuse to pay the higher fare are not allowed to board. He wonders who protects the interests of travellers in such situations. “What guarantee do citizens then have regarding public transport? Who protects the citizens? And who protects the bus drivers?” he asks.

At the same time, the parliamentarian acknowledges that bus drivers also face high costs. They have to maintain their vehicles, pay for fuel and support their families. Lalmohamed does not rule out that some drivers are struggling to make ends meet financially under the current fares.

Call on the Minister of TCT

The DNA member believes that the TCT minister should pay more attention to the problems in public transport. “The Minister of TCT should not concern himself only with TAS, but also with the other pressing issues.” Lalmohamed says he understands both the passengers’ complaints and the financial challenges faced by bus drivers. “It is very difficult in the country and people are trying to get by.”

Nevertheless, he stresses that drivers must comply with the officially set fares. According to him, it is the ministry’s responsibility to provide clarity and ensure that the rules are observed. “Otherwise, it will become chaos in the country,” the parliamentarian warns.