Taxi And Coaster Drivers Protest 15 Percent Fare Increase Should Be 50 Percent

Taxi and Coaster operators have been making their voices heard through the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS) and the Jamaica Association of Owners and Operators (JATOO), where the word coming through the organizations, is that the 15 percent increase in Taxi fares instituted by the Ministry of Transport and Works, will not cut it, and they will require instead a 50 percent raise.

In addition to their request, the taxi operators have asked to speak to the Minister of Transport about the matter, stating that their businesses cannot be maintained with just a 15 percent increase, with gas prices going up as well as other costs they will need to factor in.

One of the factors pushed forward by Cab drivers is that there is not much of a difference if the increase is only 15 percent. One driver stated that “The 15 percent is rubbish, cost of living, gas and everything gone up.” While others have decided by themselves to raise their price by $50, with some of the taxi and bus operators saying that they will not carry passengers who do not agree to the 50 percent increase.

While on the other hand, some of the drivers have suggested that the move is a strategy to gain control over the commuters by turning them towards the cheaper JUTC buses.

See Kingston and St. Andrew fare prices below.