Taxi fares increase looming

An increase in taxi fares across Trinidad and Tobago could be expected as a result of the hike in gas prices, as announced in the Budget on Monday. Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Patrick Manning, in his presentation announced that Government intended to phase out leaded gasoline and a new grade of unleaded gas of 92 Ron will be introduced on the local market by April 1 next year. He said the phasing out of leaded gasoline will be “accompanied by differential adjustments on the wholesale and retail margins leading to adjustments in the retail prices at the pump.” Those adjustments he said would go into immediate effect. As of yesterday, motorists were paying 25 cents more for leaded 96 Ron gasoline, which was increased from $2.45 per litre to $2.70 per litre. Also unleaded 95 Ron gasoline was increased by 15 cents, taking the price to $3 per litre from $2.85 per litre. Additionally, to curb the practice by drivers to mix diesel and kerosene, Manning announced an increase in both fuels to $1.50 per litre from $1.28 and $1.15 per litre respectively.

A check with the maxi-taxi associations and taxi drivers yesterday revealed that they would be monitoring the impact of the increase, but predicted that fare increases may be inevitable. Assistant president of the Tobago Taxi Owners and Drivers Association, Carlyle Orr, confirmed that the increase will affect the Association. He could not say if taxi fares on the sister island will be increased immediately, but said the Association will meet today to discuss the matter before taking any decisions. Victor George, president of the Route 2 Maxi-Taxi Association, red band maxis plying the Arima to Port-of-Spain route, told Newsday his Association was more caring that Manning, and therefore would not move to increase fares. Fares were increased on that route last year. George said although Manning said the Budget was for everybody, “He has left the maxi industry miles behind, so we don’t endorse that statement.”

He said the increased gasoline prices would be looked at closely to see the impact, but he estimated that it would now cost $1,500 more a month for each maxi to operate in and out of city gate. He advised the travelling public, “Don’t be afraid of price hikes, we are caring people unlike the Prime Minister who don’t care for the poor people, because ultimately goods and services would be increased with the rise in gasoline prices.” He added that the increase did not warrant the Association meeting in emergency but the matter would be discussed at its executive meeting carded for later this month. Kenneth Duncan, public relations officer of the Route 1 Maxi Taxi Association, said drivers were already operating “below profit” and he expressed the opinion that a fare hike would have to be implemented soon on the route.