A surge of frustration swept through commuters on the Gros Islet bus route Friday morning when reports surfaced that passengers aboard minibus M357 were unexpectedly charged $5.00, double the standard fare, prompting a police investigation into the unauthorized increase.
The driver allegedly collected the inflated fare before departing the Castries bus stand and proceeded on an unannounced detour through La Clery, Bocage, Union, Grande Riviere, Corinth, and Bois D’Orange before rejoining the regular route to Gros Islet. This deviation was reportedly necessitated by a three-vehicle collision on the main Castries-Gros Islet highway, causing significant delays during the morning rush hour.
Passengers, taken aback by the route change and lack of prior notice, initially thought the $5.00 fare was a joke. Their disbelief turned to indignation when the fare was collected before departure.
The Gros Islet Minibus Association maintains a policy that the first bus in the queue must be filled before boarding another, effectively leaving passengers with no alternative but to comply with the sudden fare increase.
Saint Lucia’s minibus transportation system operates under a regulated fare schedule set by the government. Fares are fixed according to route and distance, and any changes must be officially approved. Below is a guide to key routes and their respective fares:
Castries to Gros Islet (Route 1A): EC$2.75
Castries to Vieux Fort (Route 2H): EC$9.00
Castries to Soufrière (Route 3F): EC$9.00
Most routes begin service early in the morning and end by 10:00 p.m., though some, like Gros Islet on Fridays, extend service later due to community events.
Fares are only permitted to increase under specific circumstances, such as late-night service or pre-approved off-route trips. In emergencies that cause detours, drivers are expected to communicate clearly with passengers, and any fare adjustment must align with guidance from the National Council on Public Transportation (NCOPT) and government regulations.
According to the NCOPT, no official fare increases have been approved. However, discussions are ongoing with the government regarding appropriate rates for off-route or extended journeys.
Police have confirmed that unilateral fare hikes by minibus drivers are a chargeable offense, with existing penalties for operators who violate regulated fare structures. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident involving M357.
The Saint Lucia Daily Post will continue to follow this story as it develops.
