KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister without Portfolio in the Transport Ministry, Dr Morais Guy Wednesday arrived at an agreement with the heads of the island’s public transport associations for the implementation of a flat tax to be paid by operators. 

According to the Transport Ministry the move will eventually result in the further formalisation of the public transportation sector as bus and taxi operators will ultimately contribute to statutory tax schemes. These encompass the payment of income tax, education tax, NIS and NHT contributions. 

Dr Guy said that the agreement was a step in the right direction adding that it is “indicative of the Ministry’s commitment to bring order to the sector while improving the welfare of operators who deliver a vital service to the travelling public.”

He also commended the associations for their role in the discussions which he said signals a maturing relationship between operators and Government.

Over the next two weeks, the associations in collaboration with the Transport Authority will be holding further consultations with their members to sensitise them on the new development, the Transport Ministry said in a statement Thursday.