Kingston.
Minister of Transport and Works Dr Omar Davies has announced a 25 percent increase in fare for public passenger vehicles.
This means that adult passengers on Jamaica Urban Transit Company buses will now pay $100 up from $80.
Adult passengers who pay $100 for a taxi now have to pull a extra $25 out of their pockets.
The Minister said children under 12 years old, those in uniform, the disabled and pensioners will pay half of the approved fare increases.The concessionary fares will however remain at $20.
Associations representing some taxi and bus operators told the media said they wanted at least a 30 per cent increase.
The State-run Jamaica Urban Transit Company has not disclosed the level of increase it has sought from the government.
Public passenger bus and taxi fares were last increased in 2008 when commuters were asked to pay between 25 and 30 per cent more.
The new fare structure comes into effect on August 25.
