Citizens say rise in fares should also mean rise in minimum wages
The recent 15 percent increase in fares has caused conflict between passengers and drivers, and some citizens have called for an increase in minimum wages because of this raise.
Antoine Anderson says, “I think the bus fare should revert to $100 and I think the raise is actually incorrectly timed because it really breaks into the pockets of the working-class people, provided that they don’t get an increase in salary”. He notes that it is hard for him, and for other citizens to keep up with the constant increase of commodities and services that they rely on. Anderson says the lobby for a fare raise should be coupled with a lobby for increase in wages. However, Anderson adds that he understands the need for a fare increase for taxi drivers. “Because there is this connection between the different industries, I think if there is going to be a raise in the costs in one industry, then in order for other industries or people to keep up with these increased costs, then a raise has to be given for other people.” He suggested that passengers would ultimately decide if they would pay the fares or boycott these services.
Joel Thomas, another commuter, also said he understood the need for a rise in fares because of the constant increase in gas prices but believed taxi drivers should not go beyond it. “I believe the 15 percent increase should be adhered to by the drivers because the population cannot afford a higher increase,” said Thomas. He added that passengers needed to be a part of the decision-making process of increasing fares. “We need to know what they [passengers] can afford to give… we are barely hanging on by a thread already so we should be included in the decision making,” said Thomas. He recommended that a poll be used to ascertain the amounts that Jamaicans are willing to pay for the fare increase.
Shanice Robinson also stated that fares should not be raised unless minimum wage was also raised. However, Robinson added that if passengers were a part of the decision-making process, there would be no increase because of the unwillingness to pay more for fare. She sympathized with drivers saying, “People may say that the taximen are making money, but the gas price is rising and they are not making as much as they used to”.
However, one taxi operator said that while he supports the raise of minimum wage, passengers should not be a part of the decision-making process. He added that gas prices should be lowered instead. “We neva did a look fi no raise, if the gas prices drop wi nah look fi nuh raise,” said the driver. He noted that he has implemented the 15 percent increase and has faced no issues with passengers.
Other taxi operators are calling for a 50 percent increase. Citizens say that travelling is now confusing and filled with conflict because of drivers who have decided to charge more than the 15 percent increase.
