Public transport fare hike begins with 8% increase for Jamaican commuters

Jamaica's revised public transport fares came into force on Tuesday, June 2, beginning the first stage of a 16 per cent increase for public passenger vehicles. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the adjustment after months of lobbying from taxi operators, with the rise being applied in two parts.

The first 8 per cent increase took effect on Tuesday. A second 8 per cent adjustment is scheduled for July, when several route fares are expected to move upward.

After the July change, the Old Harbour to Spanish Town route taxi fare is to move from $220 to $240. The Half Way Tree to Spanish Town fare will increase from $170 to $190. For rural stage carriage service, the Old Harbour to Kingston fare is set to rise from $610 to $660, while the Mandeville to May Pen fare is listed to move from $210 to $330.

Vaz said the decision followed careful review and broad consultation. He also cautioned operators against using the approved adjustment as cover for illegal fare increases.

"What I don't want is those persons that have raised their fares arbitrarily and illegally already to now be allowed a fare increase on this government announced increase. If you do so, you are going to feel the brunt of the law," Vaz said.

The minister said talks are continuing with the toll authority and concessionaires about possible toll-road concessions for public passenger vehicle operators, especially those running long-distance and inter-parish routes where toll costs form part of daily operating expenses.

Egerton Newman, identified as president of a transport advocacy group, said operators would have preferred the full 16 per cent increase to take effect at one time. However, he said members had accepted Cabinet's decision to phase in the adjustment.