BY FAY SIMMONS
TRIBUNE Business Reporter
jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
JITNEY drivers have agreed to hold-off on strike action while awaiting further talks with Leon Lundy, minister of transport, over their demands for higher adult fares and relief from soaring fuel costs.
Keishla Adderley, the Prime Minister’s press secretary, said the Bahamas Unified Bus Drivers Association and the United Public Transportation Company met with Mr Lundy yesterday to outline their concerns and agreed to submit their grievances in writing before another meeting is scheduled.
The decision follows a warning by jitney drivers and owners that they could withdraw New Providence services unless the Government addresses rising diesel prices and approves an increase in adult fares from $1.50 to at least $2
“They have agreed to present their grievances and concerns in writing to the minister for a future meeting to be announced,” said Ms Adderley.
“The date of the meeting is still to be determined. That was just yesterday. The minister is awaiting their report on their grievances in writing, and a date will be set for those talks at the soonest opportunity.”
Ms Adderley said the cost of fuel was one of the major concerns raised by the operators, given its impact on their operating expenses and profitability. “Obviously, one of the big ones for them is the cost of fuel and the effect that has on their bottom line,” she said.
She added that the operators had agreed to hold-off on strike action until the meeting takes place.
The Government is also considering whether it can provide relief to consumers facing high fuel prices, although no decisions have been announced.
Ms Adderley said the Ministry of Finance had been meeting periodically to examine possible measures to ease the burden on consumers and businesses.
“I can tell you that the Ministry of Finance has been meeting periodically to take a look at what can be done to see what type of reprieve can be offered to consumers,” she said.
“There are no definitive announcements or decisions on that yet, but that’s something that they’ve been looking at for a long time.”
Ms Adderley said fuel prices were influenced by external factors beyond the Government’s control, with international developments continuing to affect costs worldwide.
“Firstly, the cost of fuel has to do with external factors that are, of course, beyond our control. They’re being seen worldwide, and the barometer keeps moving as events take place worldwide and affect consumers worldwide,” she said.
“Again, the Ministry of Finance is meeting to see where there may be some wiggle room or room for reprieve, and to be able to offer some relief to consumers.”
However, she stressed that any decisions on fuel-related relief would fall to the Ministry of Finance, rather than the Transport Ministry’s discussions with the operators.
The bus operators have been pressing for further government intervention as rising diesel prices compound existing pressures from insurance, maintenance and other operating expenses. In their latest appeal, they argued that the current fare structure was no longer sufficient to sustain their businesses.
The standard adult fare was increased by 25 cents to $1.50 in 2024, but operators say that adjustment has been overtaken by rising costs. They have also called for relief from VAT on fuel and other expenses.
For now, the prospect of a shutdown has been deferred, but the next steps depend on the operators submitting their grievances in writing and a date being agreed for further talks with Mr Lundy.