Commuters may have to pay higher bus fares and taxi fares

With the ongoing attacks of Russian forces in Ukraine, and the resulting increases in fuel prices globally, commuters in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) may soon have to pay more to get to and from their destinations.

Deputy Prime Minister, Montgomery Daniel hinted at a possible increase in taxi and mini van fares when he spoke on NBC Radio on Wednesday, April 20.

Daniel, who is also Minister of Transport and Works, spoke of having received a letter jointly from the AIA Taxi Drivers Association, SVG Taxi Drivers Association and the SVG Professional Taxi Association.

He did not disclose the details of the letter but said that it spoke to some “operational issues.”

According to the Minister, the drivers expressed concerns about the rising cost of fuel and the already high cost of vehicle parts.

After receiving the letter, Minister Daniel said he had discussions with the police, and he also advised that the Transport Board schedules a meeting to review the request of the taxi and minibus associations.

According to Daniel, that meeting of the Transport Board will be held sometime next week.

Following this meeting, Cabinet will be advised on the way forward, regarding this matter.

The Minister pointed out that the present rates charged by minibus and taxi operators were set according to 2018 Statutory Rules and Orders #3.

In making a determination on the way forward, the Transport Board is expected to make a comparison between fuel prices in 2018 and the present time.