The Route 2 Maxi Taxi Association is concerned with Government’s move to double the toll for use of the Priority Bus Route (PBR), with its President noting that they will meet soon to decide on next steps, which could include fare adjustments.
It’s a move that could hit commuters where it hurts – their pockets.
Route 2 Maxi Taxi operators are warning that a sudden 100 percent increase in toll fees for use of the Priority Bus Route may soon translate into higher fares.
Via Legal Notice No. 475 of The Motor Vehicles and Road Traffic Act, Chapter 48:50, it noted an increase in quarterly tolls from $300 to $600, which would essentially double the annual cost for Maxi Taxi PBR operators from $1,200 to $2,400.
President of the Route 2 Maxi Taxi Association, Brenton Knights, says the previous toll generated over $1.2 million annually for Government, but the new rate will push that figure upwards of $2.4 million.
He said the increased toll is something Maxi Taxi operators may be unable to bear.
“Obviously that’s going to pass down somewhere because it is very difficult for me to absorb that additional cost. Because how we function, when we look at our operational costs, over the years, our operational costs have increased tremendously. And for quite a while, our membership have been asking for a fee increase.”
He warns operators are already struggling with rising costs, including vehicle prices climbing from $620,000 to $690,000 this year.
“Definitely no way the increase of freight and the lack of foreign US dollar availability to our people who provide us with parts. That has made their parts, in terms of the cost of their parts, gone up tremendously. Even the price of the vehicle has went tremendously from the beginning of the year to $620,000 to almost $690,000”
He said the Association will meet soon to decide its next steps, which could include fare increases or stronger measures.
“So membership will dictate what our position is. And when we meet with the membership, and in membership, I can say to the top of my head, we reiterate the call for us to send a strong message in terms of our service in terms of what we provide. And whatever is that message, we will deliver it. And the Association will be backed 100% by the membership. And we will allow them to dictate what is the membership, what is the message they want to send forward.”
The Association hopes to meet with Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Eli Zakour next week, but warns if dialogue fails, commuters could feel the impact in their pockets.
Over 1150 Red Band Maxi Taxi operators will be affected by the increase.