Ines Aizpun writes today in the Diario Libre editorial page about the request of motorcycle taxis that the government authorize that these ‘moto-conchos’ can charge each passenger a full fare if two passengers share a ride on the motorcycle.
The editor points out that the DR has the dubious distinction of having the world’s second highest fatality rates caused by traffic accidents, with 41.7 victims per every 100,000 inhabitants.
She laments that the motorcycle taxis’ request is likely to be approved given the fact that it is a highly politicized issue, and the general elections are coming up soon.
Aizpun also observes that the public transport unions frequently blackmail the government with threat to disrupt order, if their demands are not met. She mentions these are the same transport workers that through their monopoly in the transportation sector, subject the public to exorbitant affect the fares and cargo rates, and are responsible for countless accidents on our nation’s roads.
Aizpun finds it remarkable that no public official has dared to demand that the transportation union leaders provide explanations for the poor transportation services their members provide or their complete control of the transportation services market.
Aizpun is the first to announce that there is a proposal being considered that would create a new government agency: The National Motoconcho Office. She speculates that this new agency would be a new source of many more government jobs.
Aizpun wonders if its director will arrive on a motorcycle “with two passengers.”
Read more in Spanish: http://www.diariolibre.com/opinion/2014/08/07/i735591_tres-motor.html