Jamaica PPV fares rise 16% in two phases starting June 2

Public passenger vehicle commuters in Jamaica will begin paying higher fares from Tuesday, June 2, after Cabinet approved a 16 per cent increase for operators. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the decision at a press briefing, with the adjustment to be applied in two stages: 8 per cent on June 2 and a further 8 per cent on July 1.

The increase follows repeated appeals from taxi operators and other transport stakeholders, who have complained about higher fuel costs linked to international oil-price pressures and rising pump prices. The fare review had been under consideration since April 2024. For route taxis, the current $113 base fare will move to $122 under the June adjustment, then to $131 when the July increase takes effect.

Some operators present at the Transport Ministry raised objections to the phased rollout. They argued that applying the full 16 per cent immediately would reduce the chance of disputes with passengers, while others questioned whether the second 8 per cent increase would be honoured. Vaz said there was a rationale for implementing the rise in stages.

In Parliament, acting University Hospital of the West Indies chief executive officer Eric Hosin told the Public Accounts Committee that board records do not show any decision by Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton to overturn a CEO appointment. The issue followed comments by former UHWI board chairman Wayne Chai Chang. Hosin said minutes reviewed over roughly a one-year period contained only a July 19, 2023 reference to the CEO selection process and did not record board approval of any candidate.

Tourism interests are also watching transportation costs. Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association president Christopher Jarrett said higher airfare, rental vehicle and taxi costs are affecting the sector, while noting that Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Kingston have not seen the same level of impact as Negril, where water challenges are also affecting the visitor experience. He said Montego Bay hotels appear to be recording strong occupancy, while Airbnb growth continues to reduce demand for traditional rooms. Jarrett urged hotels under renovation to reopen in phases to support airlift.

The Jamaica Public Service Company said electricity has been restored to all customers seven months after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, though some premises are not yet ready to receive supply. Corporate communications director Winsome Callum said JPS used overseas contractors and rebuilt parts of the grid with stronger pole locations, shorter line spans and new technology.

In St James, Rose Hall councillor Anthony Murray renewed calls for road-safety measures after a deadly crash on the Rose Hall main road. The collision killed 22-year-old flag worker Bianca Wallace and injured several people, including students and two drivers.