Newman demands answers from Clarke on delayed fare increase

Some of the island's public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators are pressing outgoing Finance Minister, Dr Nigel Clarke, to address two critical issues, including the delayed 16 per cent fare increase, before he leaves office to join the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The other issue is a revolving loan fund for transport operators through the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ).

In addressing a virtual meeting of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS), the group's President, Egeton Newman, emphasised the urgency of the matter relative to an update on the delayed fare increase.

"We need to hear from the minister (of finance), not the minister of transport, (on) what is the position with the 16 per cent fare increase," Newman declared.

Dr Nigel Clarke

"We were told that if inflation stayed below seven per cent, we would get the (fare) increase sometime in November or after. The Minister (of Finance, Dr Nigel Clarke) is leaving in a few days; where is that 16 per cent?" Newman asked.

He expressed concern that if a new minister takes over before the matter is addressed, the fare increase might not be prioritised.

"And I can tell you, if a new minister takes up the position, which (we) must have a new minister of finance, he (or she) will not see the light of day with that fare increase, and we will not sit down on our laurels and allow that to pass," Newman insisted.

The TODSS boss' call to action came after Clarke requested PPV operators to postpone the fare increase in March due to its potential impact on inflation. The 16 per cent fare increase was initially scheduled to be effective from April 1.

With the minister's pending departure from the Finance and the Public Service Ministry by the end of October, Newman is seeking the assurance from Clarke himself.

"It would be good if the minister says something to us before he exits office. I am looking for a word from the man who came and spoke to us and put us (TODSS) in trouble," Newman stated.