Transport Minister to meet taxi operators

Transport Minister Mike Henry is scheduled to meet with several taxi associations at 1 p.m. tomorrow afternoon to discuss the recently announced 25 percent fare increase.



The increase, which was granted to route taxi and bus operators, is to take effect on Saturday.



General Secretary of the National Association of Taxi Operators, Raymond Gabbidon, said the association would be requesting that Mr. Henry rescind the 25 percent hike and grant them an increase of at least 30 percent.



Mr. Gabbidon said this would at least be close in line with the 36 percent, which was recommended by the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR).



The increase will see the base rate for taxis and buses going up from $44 to $55 for the first three kilometres.



The rate for each additional kilometer will go up from $2.50 to $3.



Mr. Henry said the cost of living, as well as the average operation costs of the taxi and bus drivers were taken into account in determining the fare structure.