The National Council of Taxi Association (NCOTA) wants the Government to grant a fare increase to the operators of public vehicles.

Transport Minister, Dr Omar Davies, is today expected to announce a fare hike for commuters traveling on buses of the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC).

Davies has cited increased operational costs and gaps in revenue as the reasons for the increase.

However, NCTOA President Dion Chance says private operators are also being burdened by high operational costs and now need a reprieve.

According to Chance, unlike the JUTC, public passenger operators do not benefit from government subsidies.

He says NCOTA will be keenly watching today’s announcement of the fare hike.

When bus fares were last increased in August last year, adult fares moved by 25 per cent from $80-$100 dollars, while concessionary fares remained at $20.

Taxi operators were also granted a 25 per cent increase last year.

WATCH: The Gleaner Minute


Follow us on Twitter:

@JamaicaGleaner

Follow us on Instagram:

jamaicagleaner

Watch our videos on YouTube:

Jamaica Gleaner

onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com