Taxi group seeks fare increase

The National Council of Taxi Associations (NCOTA) says it will be writing to the transport minister, Dr. Omar Davies today, seeking an increase in fares for this year to offset mounting operational costs.

President of NCOTA, Dion Chance, said the association was forced to ask for a fare increase, as 70 per cent of the daily earnings by public transport operators was being eroded by high input costs such as fuel.

In April last year, the Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators (JATOO), made a submission to the Transport Minister for a 40 per cent hike in taxi fares.

Fares were last increased in 2008, when commuters were asked to pay between 25 and 30 per cent more in bus and taxi fares.

Chance said his organisation is cognisant of the likely ripple effect a fare increase can have on the commuting public.

However, he said his organisation wishes to have dialogue with the transport minister to reduce the impact of an increase on commuters.

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