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Transport operators hopeful of agreement on promised fare increase

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Egerton Newman, President of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS)
 
Operators of public passenger vehicles are hopeful of an agreement on the second tranche of a promised fare increase. 
 
The government, in October 2023, approved a total 35 per cent increase over two periods. 
 
However, only a 19 per cent hike was implemented. 
 
The remaining 16 per cent increase should have taken effect April last year, but has been delayed due to high inflation. 
 
In May, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said the Bank of Jamaica produced a report on the impact that the remaining portion of the increase would have on inflation, which he said would be taken to Cabinet. 
 
President of Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS), Egerton Newman, said a meeting is set for next week between the operators and the Transport Ministry. 
 
"We are in continued discussion and more upbeat now with regards to a fare increase - the balance of a fare increase. We are also upbeat about training and development for our members, and therefore we know the government is looking into that. We have a meeting coming on 18th of this month with him where some insights are going to be shared with us in terms of where we are with a fare increase - or the balance of a fair increase - that 16 per cent."
 
Mr. Newman said he hopes to also discuss a window for loan facilities for transport operators. 
 


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