Calls To Hold on Fare Increase

Members of the transport sector are calling on all public transport operators not to increase their fares until further notice. The stakeholders say not only is the increase rushed but an official fare table has not yet been given by the government.

They believe the arrangement was not properly considered and further discussions are needed. Starting Monday, August 15, taxi drivers are eligible to legally request that their passengers pay the fifteen percent increase in fare.

For the Kingston metropolitan transport region, the fare could be $138, a 15 per cent increase to the standard $120.00 fare on any one route.

However, President of TODSS Egeton Newman says there are many discrepancies with the fare increase and is asking taxi drivers to stand down and the government to put a hold on the increase.

Newman says not only was this decision rushed, he says there has not been an official fare table to sensitize the public which could add unnecessary tension between commuters and taxi drivers.

Additionally, the association is requesting the authorities give the reason, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company did not get a fare adjustment as they believe this is a double standard.