THE Government of Guyana is thinking of acquiring 150 large and medium size passenger buses for use as public transportation.

A notice has been sent out by the Ministry of Public Works and Communication inviting expressions of interest to supply 70 large size buses with a seating capacity of between 48 and 60 persons in two versions; 30 city-type buses with separate entrance and exit with low ground clearance, 40 long-distance coach-type buses and 80 medium size buses capable of transporting between 28 and 53 persons.

Over the years, there have been several calls for government to re-establish a State-run public transportation network.

During the late 1980s, the then Government had closed the State-run transportation facility and concessions were given to private individuals to operate bus services. This led to the importation of privately-owned minibuses.

Recently, with the spiraling fuel prices, minibus operators have consistently been demanding increased fares despite the government’s continuing interventions to cushion the fuel prices. This has renewed calls for the re establishment of the public bus service.