Taxi groups meet with authorities

Jerome Reynolds, Gleaner Writer

Taxi associations are to meet with authorities today to discuss issues affecting the transport sector.

Dion Chance, the president of the National Council of Taxi Associations (NCOTA), said he is expecting to hear the government’s direction for the sector, as well as its position on fare increases.

Responding to questions at Standing Finance Committee last month, Transport Minister, Dr. Omar Davies, expressed concern about the state of the transport sector and said several conditions must be met before any consideration for adjustments to taxi fares.

Chance said an increase is necessary in light of rising operational costs and the impact of new tax measures on the transport sector.

Today’s meeting involves NCOTA, the Route Taxi Association of Jamaica, the National Association of Taxi Operators, officials from the Transport Authority and Minister without Portfolio in the Transport Ministry, Dr. Morais Guy.

NCOTA and the RTAJ have both submitted proposals for a 30 per cent fare increase.

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