Athaliah Reynolds, Staff Reporter

Transport minister Mike Henry addressing members of the media during a press conference at his offices on Maxfield Avenue, St Andrew, yesterday. The minister announced a 25 per cent fare increase for route-taxi operators. At right is Keith Goodison, managing director of the Transport Authority. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Members of various route-taxi associations say they are not prepared to accept the Government's 25 per cent increase on route-taxi fares and would be lobbying in the coming week for a further raise.

Transport Minister Mike Henry yesterday announced that the base fare for route taxis would be increased from its current $44 to $55, starting on May 10.

A 25 per cent increase has also been granted for each kilometre travelled, which will take the figure from $2.50 to $3.

Children under the age of 12 years, students in uniform, disabled persons and pensioners will pay only half of the new fare.

The minister said an increase for all other public-passenger vehicles, including hackney carriers or chartered taxis, minibus operators and the government-run Jamaica Urban Transit Company, would be discussed in coming weeks.

Seeking another meeting

But route taxi operators yesterday said they would be seeking to meet with the minister as early as Monday to discuss a further increase, as they were looking forward to at least a 30 per cent raise.

The various route-taxi associations had submitted proposals for increases ranging from 37 to 100 per cent. The Office of Utilities Regulation recommended a 36.4 per cent hike, while the Transport Authority proposed a 30 per cent adjustment.

Michael Morgan, president of the National Association of Taxi Operators yesterday told The Gleaner that his members were very disappointed with the 25 per cent increase that was announced.

"We can't work with it," he said.

Dion Chance of the National Council of Taxi Operators said the increase was "woefully inadequate" and would not offset many of the losses most taxi operators were incurring.

Route-taxi operators were last granted a fare increase in August 2005. At that time, they were granted a 25 per cent increase, moving the base fare from $35 to $44.

Yesterday, some commuters said the 25 per cent increase was reasonable in light of the rising cost of living. They, however, expressed concern that most taxi operators would push the rate up forcing them to pay more than the approved amount.

However, Keith Goodison, managing director at the Transport Authority, said passengers should be vigilant and not allow operators to force them to pay more than they should.

He further said commuters had the right to insist on getting receipts from taxi drivers.

Goodison said the commuter might be required to appear at a court hearing and he said if a taxi operator is found guilty, he could be fined.

FARE HIKE

The 25 per cent route-taxi fare increase takes effect on Saturday, May 10.

Previous base-stage rate $44; increased rate $55.

Previous per kilometre charge $2.50; increased rate $3.