Military and police step-upped patrols on the main roads in Greater Santo Domingo on Tuesday, 25 September 2018, in response to protests carried out by various transportation syndicates. One of the largest bus companies, the National Transport Federation the New Option (Fenatrano) and the Central National Transport Drivers Movement (Mochotran) were on strike protesting the rising cost of fuel.
In Greater Santo Domingo that had begun at 6 am, was called off at 10am, by Juan Hubieres, of Fenatrano. Meanwhile, in Santo Domingo the multi-fare paying taxis (conchos) and motorcycle taxis did a brisk trade although the passengers were complaining that they had increased the fares.
During a press conference at his residence, Hubieres said the government just needs to lower the price of fuel. He said talks are not necessary, just the meeting of their demands.
In the south of the country, thousands of people that were making their way back to Santo Domingo after the long weekend, were left stranded due to the strike by Fenatrano. Passengers in Bani, San Cristóbal and Haina were also affected.
Meanwhile, Antonio Marte, president of the National Center of Transport Organizations (Conatra) called for a strike for Thursday, 27 September 2018, in all 31 provinces and the National District, also complaining about fuel prices. He said that the work stoppage would be carried out peacefully and their vehicles would park on the right side of the avenues and highways.
In the National District, traffic congestions worsened on Tuesday afternoon, as the striking transporters achieved their objective of calling attention to their cause. Marte told El Dia that they would take out of circulation on Thursday, 27 September, some 80,000 units that offer service nationwide to pressure the government to give in to their demands.
The unionized bus transporters have announced the transport stoppages to also pressure the government to increase subsidies, reduce the price of fuel and desist of the plan to operate Omsa buses on the Av. Abraham Lincoln.
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Diario Libre
26 September 2018
