Jamaica gov't approves 16 per cent fare increase for public passenger vehicle operators

The Jamaican Cabinet has approved a 16 per cent fare increase for public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators, with the adjustment to take effect in two phases beginning June 2, 2026.

The increase, which has been pending since April 2024, will be implemented as an eight per cent adjustment in June, followed by a second eight per cent increase on July 1, 2026.

Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz announced the decision at a press conference on Tuesday at the ministry’s New Kingston offices.

He said the Government opted for a phased approach to avoid the inflationary shock that would have resulted from a single 16 per cent increase.

“The phased implementation of the 16 per cent fare increase is also designed to balance the economic realities facing PPV operators with the need to minimise the immediate impact on commuters,” Vaz said.

He added that the gradual rollout would help operators manage rising operating costs while giving commuters time to adjust.

Under the current fare structure, which has been in place since 2023, route taxis charge a base fare of $113 plus $7 per kilometre. Rural stage carriage services charge a base fare of $45 plus $6 per kilometre. Hackney carriage services operate with a base fare of $321, $64 per kilometre, a waiting time charge of $33 per five minutes, and a long-hire rate of $1,026.

Following the first eight per cent increase in June, route taxi fares will rise to a base fare of $122.04 and $7.56 per kilometre. Rural stage carriage fares will increase to $48.60 plus $6.48 per kilometre, while hackney carriage services will move to a base fare of $346.68, $69.12 per kilometre, a $35.64 waiting charge per five minutes, and a $1,108.08 long-hire rate.

After rounding, June fares will be $122 and $7.56 per kilometre for route taxis; $49 and $6.48 per kilometre for rural stage carriage services; and for hackney carriages, a $347 base fare, $69 per kilometre, a $36 waiting charge per five minutes, and a $1,108 long-hire rate.

The second phase, taking effect July 1, will apply an additional eight per cent increase to the revised June fares.

Route taxi fares will rise to a base fare of $131.76 and $8.64 per kilometre, while rural stage carriage services will move to $52.92 plus $7.02 per kilometre. Hackney carriage rates will increase to a base fare of $374.76, $74.52 per kilometre, a $38.88 waiting charge per five minutes, and a $1,196.64 long-hire rate.

After rounding, July fares will be $132 and $8.64 per kilometre for route taxis; $53 and $7.02 per kilometre for rural stage carriage services; and for hackney carriages, $375 base fare, $75 per kilometre, a $39 waiting charge per five minutes, and a $1,197 long-hire rate.

Vaz provided examples of how the increases will affect common routes. The St Ann’s Bay to Ocho Rios route taxi fare will rise from $200 to $220 in June, then to $240 in July. The Eltham Park to Spanish Town fare will increase from $160 to $170, then $190.

For rural stage carriage services, the Ocho Rios to Kingston fare will rise from $560 to $610 in June and $660 in July. The Mandeville to May Pen fare will increase from $290 to $310, then $330.

Vaz said the decision followed extensive consultation and careful consideration of both operator costs and commuter affordability.

“The Government remains acutely aware of the need to strike a fair balance between the operational realities facing transport operators and the ability of passengers to afford transportation,” he said.