A taxi group has called on the government to provide subsidies to operators of public passenger vehicles (PPV) so that they can sustain their services.

This they claim would level the playing field, in light of stiff competition from Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses, following expansion into rural areas.

President of the All Voice Taxi Association Lorraine Oscar Finnikin pointed out that PPV operators acknowledge that, since the JUTC is a government run entity, supported by tax payers money, it’s understandable that citizens islandwide should benefit from the service, not just those in the corporate area.

Finnikin stressed that the problem rests with the JUTC’s reduced fare, which understandably, results in commuters preferring to take the JUTC bus.

He further pointed out that the JUTC, which is heavily subsidised by government, does not necessarily operate for profit, as its buses can run routes without passengers.

A regular PPV bus operator, who invests millions of dollars into the vehicle, needs to earn every dollar from a full bus load of passengers.

When asked if PPV operators becoming JUTC sub franchise holders would be helpful, Finnikin said not necessarily.

He said the matter is compounded by the lack of a fare increase.

Finnikin lamented that the JUTC is running PPV investors out of business.