St James taxi operators reject 16% fare increase as fuel costs rise

Taxi operators in Norwood, St. James, are pushing back against the Government's newly announced public transport fare increase, saying the phased 16 per cent adjustment is too small to offset the sharp rise in fuel costs.

The first eight per cent increase took effect on Wednesday, with a further eight per cent scheduled for July 1. Operators met in Norwood on Wednesday morning, a day after the announcement, to settle what passengers should pay when drivers leave the licensed main route, commonly called a “turn off” fare.

One operator explained that the drivers wanted one agreed position for those additional charges, especially where a vehicle moves away from its approved route between downtown and the Paradise terminal area.

Although the operators said they had waited three years for a fare adjustment, they argued that the approved increase falls short of what is needed. In some cases, they said passengers would pay only about $40 more.

Operators also complained that petrol prices continue to move upward weekly, leaving drivers with little real benefit from the higher fares.

Lorraine Finnegan, president of the All Voice Route Taxis Association, said fuel costs have climbed significantly since global oil pressures began affecting Jamaica's pump prices. She said that in March, filling a Toyota Probox cost operators between $5,500 and $6,000, while filling larger seven-seater vehicles such as a Voxy or Honda Step Wagon cost about $7,000.

Finnegan said the current cost to fill a Probox is now about $8,600. The figure stated for filling a Voxy or Honda Step Wagon was $3,200.

The operators said they recognise that commuters are also under financial pressure, but insisted that drivers are carrying a heavier burden. They said the increase will only help cover existing expenses and will not leave them with extra income.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has said the fare decision is final. He also noted that some taxi operators had already been charging passengers above the approved fares before the increase was announced.