Spanish Town taxi operators warn fare increase may spark disputes with commuters

Taxi operators serving the Spanish Town to Old Harbour Road and White Water areas say commuters have reacted with frustration to a new public passenger fare increase, which took effect in stages starting yesterday.

One operator said the increase was announced through the transport authorities and was being applied in two phases. Although the first adjustment took effect yesterday, he said some drivers on the route held off charging the higher fare until this morning because they felt passengers were not ready for the change.

He said commuters were upset because their wages had not gone up, while transport costs were moving higher. In his view, the staged approach is also placing passengers under pressure, as they are being asked to absorb one increase now and another next month.

On the Spanish Town to Old Harbour Road route, the operator said the fare had been $150. He explained that passengers going into the White Water scheme were charged an additional $70 because drivers treated that section as a turn-off, bringing that trip to $220 before the adjustment.

Another operator argued that using percentages to raise fares could create confusion and conflict between drivers and passengers. He said some commuters may misunderstand a percentage increase, while drivers are left to explain the new charge at the point of payment. He suggested that authorities should have set out a specific dollar figure instead.

The operator said the increase itself would not solve all the problems facing taxi drivers, including operating costs. He also warned that even a small increase, such as $20 on shorter trips, could lead to arguments if passengers continue trying to pay the old fare or only part of the new amount.

He said drivers should not be blamed for a fare change approved by transport officials, adding that passengers with concerns should take them to the authorities rather than confronting taxi operators.