Some cabbies charging more than fare increase

Yesterday, as the 15 per cent increase in taxi and bus fares took effect, some operators added another five per cent due to what they say is a lack of coins.

"The law said we should charge $115 but I charge $120 because I don't have the $5 change. No one is walking around with a bag a coins on dem. The fare should have been $135 or $140 because we deserve it and the passengers don't have a problem paying but honestly mi don't have any $5 change," said one cabbie, who plies the Half-Way Tree to Mountain View route.

One of his colleagues told THE STAR that it was 'hackling' to find a $5 coin so he is charging $120.

"When the people dem hear about 15 per cent increase, dem tink is a lot of money, eno. Mi nah go tell any lie because since morning me make a extra grand on mi money ... suh mi appreciate it," he said. The increase was granted by the Ministry of Transport and Mining. However, various taxi groups have described it as insufficient, calling for a minimum 50 per cent fare hike.

15 per cent is an insult

Conroy Nesbeth, who has been a Corporate Area taxi driver for the last 10 years, said 15 per cent is an insult.

"Gas raise every minute, JPS and the hardware dem raise. Everything raise up and taxi men dem nuh get look on for eight years and when they finally do, they gave us $15. If it was me alone, the cab drivers dem would charge $150," he said.

"Our biggest issue is the constant rising of gas and we cannot operate at the same cost or at $15 extra when every week the overhead cost is more than we make," Nesbeth added.

Lisa, who plies the Seaview Gardens to Half-Way Tree route, said the Government should have increased the minimum wage before hiking the fares.

"Di people dem nuh have any money because dem pay is the same so anything dem give mi I take because mi not here to break any rule. Mi nah fight di passengers so when dem give mi di same $100 mi take it. A few of them give $120 or $150," she said. THE STAR spoke with two loader men in Half-Way Tree who said while they are appreciative of the raise, they were anticipating more on behalf of the taxi men.

"A man just give me $60 a while ago from the regular $50 dollar whe mi used to get ... so mi grateful same way. It would a good if dem give di man dem a good raise because dis way everybody can get a ting," one of the men said.

The other said he has got an extra $15 for each trip but argued that amount can't buy 'bag juice'.

"But mi take it and fling it inna mi pocket still because it better dan nutten. Dem fi help out di driver dem with a bit more cabbage (money) suh dem can help we out too because all a we have gal and pickney fi feed," he said.