Shadow Transport Minister Patricia Gordon-Pamplin yesterday accused Government of putting taxpayers on a “constant roller-coaster of emotions and anxieties” after it postponed a fare increase on the pink ferry route.The 100 percent hike, which would have doubled the cost of a ticket, was due to come into effect today (Monday, August 1) after being debated in Parliament.But the Department of Marine and Ports announced on Wednesday that it would not and that all passes sold at the current price could be used until further notice.No explanation for the postponement was given and it wasn't possible to reach anyone at the Ministry of Transport over the weekend.Transport Minister Terry Lister proposed the rise last month, when he said it had been agreed with pink route users, who were willing to pay more if weekend and holiday services were reinstated.He told the House of Assembly the pink route had been plagued by low ridership numbers and that it cost Government more than $1 million dollars a year to provide a seven-day and holiday service.Mrs Gordon-Pamplin said: “During the debate on the pink route increases, the Minister made representation that the users had been consulted and they agreed to a 100 percent fare increase.“Upon further investigation, it was determined that the consultation was had with the guesthouses in the Salt Kettle area and not the regular commuters.“I highlighted this to the Minister during the debate and expressed concern that the pink route commuters were being unduly disadvantaged.“Without the benefit of an explanation from the Minister on the reason for the delay in implementation of the increase, I sincerely hope that our representation on behalf of the commuters has been taken into consideration.”The Opposition MP added: “It has been noted that the modus operandi of the PLP government is to implement outrageous policies to see what they can get away with and, when there is push back, they recant their position to show ‘what a caring, listening government they are'.“Taxpayers should not have to endure the constant roller-coaster of emotions and anxieties that are thrust upon them.“Government needs to think things through first, consult with stakeholders, formulate policy, then implement it. It is time they stop playing games with people's lives, livelihoods and emotions.”Today's price rise would have seen a single fare go up from $2.50 per trip to $5 to offset operating costs.One commuter wrote to Mr Lister, copying in The Royal Gazette, to say she was boycotting the ferries and encouraging others to do the same.The woman, who did not want to be named, wrote: “After 20-plus years of travelling via ferry and using the Warwick/Paget ferry, commencing August 1, 2011, I will no longer be catching the ferry.“I will either be car pooling or parking at Bull's Head. I am encouraging all ferry commuters who catch this ferry to follow suit.“This is a recession! How can the fare be raised from $2.50 for one way to $5 one way?”She said pink route users would now have to pay $10 a day or $200 a month for the shortest journeys in the ferry timetable.“Who can afford this fare in today's recession? We have the worst ferries: old, broken down, rusty, unreliable etc. Rockaway, Dockyard and St George's have the newer ferries but yet you want Warwick/Paget ferry commuters to pay the increase.”Useful website: www.seaexpress.bm.