Transport ministry grants taxi operators moratorium

The Transport and Works Ministry has granted a 30-day stay on the introduction of a sub-franchise fee by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) for taxi operators in St. Catherine.



The Transport and Works Minister, Mike Henry, who met with representatives of both the Portmore and Spanish Town taxi associations yesterday, granted the moratorium on the grounds of natural justice.



Mr. Henry said the taxi operators had not been given adequate notice of the pending introduction of the fee.



He said he also needs further details on the rationale for the $54,400 that was proposed for the fee.



The transport minister also instructed the JUTC management to produce the rationalisation in a timely manner, to allow for a decision on the amount to be charged and the payment options to be allowed.



The Transport Authority has also been instructed to process and deliver route licences to the taxi operators without reference to the JUTC franchise fee, until that matter is settled.



Earlier this week, taxi operators in St. Catherine withdrew their services leaving hundreds of commuters stranded.



They were protesting against the increased fees proposed by the government.