Some public transport operators are demanding that Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke completes two crucial items relating to the transport sector before he demits office for his new job at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The two items are the outstanding taxi fare increase and the revolving loan fund for transport operators through the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ).

In March, Dr Clarke asked taxi operators to agree to delay the implementation of the 16 per cent wage increase, citing concerns about the impact on inflation.

The increase was set for April 1.

As for the loan, it was reported that due to low take-up, the $200 million loan that was to be disbursed through DBJ was returned to the Finance Ministry.

President of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (todss) Egeton Newman said taxi operators need the loans as 75 per cent of public transport vehicles are in need of repairs.

Mr. Newman said the fare increase must also be granted now.

Newman was speaking during the TODSS virtual meeting last evening.