Laveist lambastes bus drivers
for overcharging commuters
~ Will take measures to reduce occurrence ~
PHILIPSBURG--Transportation Commissioner Louie Laveist has condemned the actions of some bus drivers who he says are overcharging commuters. Some drivers have also been accused of flouting the recently implemented bus fare structure by charging persons over 65, who should be travelling for free.
The Commissioner said his office has been receiving numerous complaints about bus drivers who are flouting the recently implemented bus fare system. To combat this trend, the Commissioner said some measures will be introduced to reduce this occurrence.
He told reporters during Wednesday’s Executive Council press briefing that bus drivers will be required to post the new fare structure in their vehicles for passengers to see. A special card will also be produced for persons over age 65, who, according to the new fare structure, should be travelling for free.
The Commissioner said he has been getting a lot of complaints from the public about bus drivers who are not adhering to the new structure. “I am disappointed in some of the bus drivers who have been engaging in overpricing and not complying with the ordinance as stipulated. I want to let the public know that we are working on a strategy to resolve this matter in its entirety.”
He said the Public Transportation Committee is working out measures to address the infringements. The Commissioner also said there are many areas in the public transportation sector that need addressing, noting that a plan of approach is needed.
In a separate issue, the Commissioner also called on heavy equipment operators to exercise more caution when on the roadways. He spoke of an incident on Wednesday, where an excavator travelling during the morning rush hour traffic at snail’s pace of about three miles per hour, held up traffic in the Cole Bay area. He called on heavy equipment operators to transport such vehicles on a low bed truck rather than using the roadways and holding up traffic.
He said the incident almost resulted in an accident, when a vehicle attempted to overtake the heavy equipment. “If heavy equipment operators want to transport a loader, they should put it on a trailer and have it transported,” he said.
