St Catherine residents protest exorbitant fare hikes

Residents of Paul Mountain and Top Mountain in St Catherine blocked several miles of roadway on Wednesday morning as they protested exorbitant fare increases imposed by taxi operators who serve the communities. 

The residents complained about what they deemed as opportunistic fare hikes by the taxi operators who are charging more than the 19 per cent increase recently authorised by the Government.

The fare to Spanish Town and back for students has ballooned from $150 to $250, while adults now bear the burden of paying $750 for the round trip, a significant increase from the previous $500 round-trip fare.

The roadblocks erected by the residents led to the suspension of classes at Paul Mountain Primary School. 

Michael Archer, Chairman of the school board, disclosed that this decision was taken after consultation with the principal and staff, who concluded that the blockades had rendered regular commuting virtually impossible.

Wednesday's demonstration also served as a platform for residents to voice their ongoing frustrations regarding the lack of running water and deteriorating road conditions in the area.

- Ruddy Mathison

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