No fare increase, Mr Newman!

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The President of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Service, Mr Egerton Newman, is bewailing the fact that the onslaught of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has exacerbated their call for a fare hike.

He said: “We are asking the Government for a fare increase of 100 per cent.” This is just a sentence of his quotation. More has been said. And his demand for a fare hike, I believe, is in accordance with the taxi operators.

However, I am not in agreement with Mr Newman for an increase in taxi fare, whether it be 100 or 50 per cent increase. And even if it should become effective, it shouldn’t be a quick one; especially under certain conditions.

Furthermore, many hard-working Jamaicans can hardly find lunch money and bus fare, therefore, increasing taxi fares is out of the question at this time. If the Government should obey the voice of Mr Newman, it would have to increase the salaries of the working class also.

Finally, many taxi operators don’t deserve a fare increase because:

(a) Some of them are already overcharging the passengers.

(b) Some taxis are not safe to travel in.

(c) Some taxi operators have no manners and respect for the passengers – not even for themselves – because they play some of the most dirty music you can think of. Respect people! Respect the travelling public; and pray for a safe journey. This negative list continues.

DONALD J. MCKOY