President of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS) Egeton Newman has acknowledged growing frustration among taxi operators about the overdue 16 per cent fare increase, but has stressed disapproval of demonstrations as an initial response.

The Government approved a 35 per cent fare increase for public transport operators in October 2023.

The increase was to be implemented in two phases, 19 per cent in October 2023 and 16 per cent in April 2024.

However, the second phase was deferred amid broader economic concerns.

With the increase now overdue by more than two years, Mr. Newman acknowledged the basis of the operators’ frustration.

He is supporting the formal registration of their concerns rather than demonstrations or the blocking of roads as an initial response.

He reiterated the need for the Government to provide a clear timeline for the implementation of the fare increase, noting that continued increases in global fuel prices place added pressure on transport operators.