The Kingston Metropolitan Transport Operators’ Alliance (KMTOA) is calling for Transport Minister Daryl Vaz to address several unresolved matters affecting the day-to-day viability of the sector.

Chairman of the KMTOA, Lorraine Finnikin, said a formal letter has been written to the Minister appealing for his timely intervention.

Mr. Finnikin noted that the letter comes amidst mounting frustration among members of the public passenger sector.

He said that at the heart of the sector’s concern is the long-overdue 16 per cent fare increase.

In October 2023, the Government approved a 35 per cent increase for public passenger vehicle operators to be implemented in two phases.

The first 19 per cent was implemented that October, with plans for the remaining 16 per cent to be implemented in April 2024.

However, the 16 per cent was deferred due to concerns about high inflation.

In May this year, Minister Vaz explained that he met with the Finance Ministry, and it was noted that inflation remains a problem.

However, with the inflation rate dropping from 5.2 per cent in May to 3.8 per cent in June, the KMTOA Chairman believes that more effort must be made to implement the remaining 16 per cent.

Mr. Finnikin lamented that operators’ operational expenses have increased significantly, so the 16 per cent is needed.

He wants the Minister to ensure that the matter is addressed with alacrity.