Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon has called on the Transport Authority to probe complaints of fare increases by taxi operators in St James and prosecute offenders.

The call follows reports by the Transport Authority that under its “Operation Reset” initiative, 52 prosecutions were effected for the overcharging of fares.

Speaking at the St. James Municipal Corporation’s monthly meeting on Thursday, Mayor Vernon Said the fare hike is affecting the Hurricane Melissa recovery process.

He said it’s hampering residents commute to work.

He also urged vendors in the Charles Gordon Market to desist from price gouging.

The Mayor said, as people recover from the effects of the storm they must be able to eat, pointing out that exploitation will prolong the collective devastation.

He said the corporation continues to charge very low market fees, therefore, vendors are expected to uphold fair

pricing and community solidarity.