Amid strike threat, finance and transport ministers to meet with public transport operators

The Ministry of Transport says it has convened a meeting in response to word that public transport operators are restive in relation to their longstanding demand for a fare increase.

According to the ministry in a release late Sunday, the demand has intensified following the increase in fuel prices across the globe due to geopolitical tensions.

Representatives of the Transport Authority and groups representing public transport operators are expected to attend the meeting which will be addressed by Finance and Public Service Minister, Fayval Williams, the release stated.

The meeting is to take place 10am at the Transport Centre in Half-Way-Tree, St Andrew on Monday May 18, 2026.

“The Government is sensitive to challenges facing members of the public who have been trying to cope with price adjustments caused by developments across the globe,” Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said.

“We are also aware of and appreciate the concerns of public transport operators who have been expectant of a fare increase for some time now and are also now facing the burden of increased fuel costs,” he continued. “We also recognise that it is important that a balance be struck and a solution arrived at which does not have major negative consequences for our economy and wider society.”

Vaz added that he is well aware of the concerns, having been in discussion with the groups representing transport operators over the past few years.

“I encourage them to allow calm to prevail as the Government seeks to arrive at a solution that causes the least possible dislocation across the country but is also responsive to their genuine concerns and also mindful of the cost of living challenges which face the wider population,” the minister said.