Transport Minister Dr Omar Davies says he is satisfied that the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) can justify its request for an increase in bus fares. Speaking yesterday during a press conference at his ministry, Davies said the increase should take effect "early next year" after Cabinet considers the JUTC's request.

In his first meeting with the new JUTC board of directors in March, Davies gave the assurance that he would not entertain a request for a fare increase until the company "could demonstrate tangible improvements".

Yesterday, the transport minister said he was happy with what he has seen so far.

Davies and officials at the JUTC have declined to discuss the level of increase being sought.

However, JUTC chairman, the Reverend Garnett Roper, told The Gleaner that it was less than the $131 for adults and $40 for concession fares that were recommended by the Office of Utilities Regulations in 2010.