Bus and taxi drivers to see fare increase within weeks

TRANSPORT and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis. Photo: Dante Carrer

As of Thursday, March 7, 2024

By JADE RUSSELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

TRANSPORT and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis said bus and taxi drivers can expect to increase their fares in the coming weeks.

“Active consultations have been done with the Law Reform Commission to get the long-anticipated fees rolled out officially,” she said during her contribution to the mid-year budget debate yesterday in the House of Assembly.

“As minister, I share the frustration of taxi and bus drivers. However, we are diligently working on these matters. And I wish to also assure members of the public that we are cognizant of the need to balance the interests of all stakeholders. In short, we will keep public transportation affordable for all Bahamians – especially our students and senior citizens.”

Last November, Mrs Coleby-Davis said a 25-cent bus fare increase would be rolled out in the first quarter of this year. This would increase bus fares to $1.50.

Harrison Moxey, the United Public Transportation Company’s (UPTC) president, later told Tribune Business his members wanted the new increase implemented before Christmas.

Mrs Coleby-Davis announced in the House of Assembly last year that the government had agreed to give taxi drivers a 10 per cent fare increase.

In June, Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) president Wesley Ferguson president said while the industry wanted a 25 per cent fare increase, it would settle for 10 per cent because “drivers are making money”.

BONEFISH 8 months, 3 weeks ago

The island of New Providence needs a proper public transportation system. That seems beyond the ability of our public officials to deliver. In their many travels cris crossing the globe, I know they saw examples of them. The Bahamas is so hopelessly behind in so many areas.Public transport is one of them. A relative of mine who visited Bermuda for a seminar spoke about their bus system. He said it was a proper system.

DillyTree 8 months, 3 weeks ago

The irony here is that many taxi drivers have long given themselves a raise by taking advantage of people who do not know the government point to point rates.

Out of the last 5 taxi rides I've taken (both here in NP and in 2 out islands), I've been overcharged by the drivers. Only 1 driver charged the correct rate.

The others were in some case, 60% over the published rate. When pointed out to them, the drivers tried to justify it with a variety of creative reasons -- "it's a new vehicle", "it's extra for air conditioning", and the refreshingly honest one of "my boss doesn't pay me enough"!

So I cringe think how many of our visitors are taken advantage of by so many of these unscrupulous drivers -- who will not doubt not only charge the additonal 10% fare, but also take a big tip, lunch and pad the bill as usual. What will the government do abotu this?