Dear Editor,

When was the last time you heard of a company, a firm, or business place granting an 80 per cent increase to workers? That may well have never been done? They may give a 20, 30, 40 or even 50 per cent increase to their employees, but not 80 per cent. So how come transport operators in this country are so fortunate to be demanding that amount for their services?

It’s totally impossible for an 80 percent increase to be granted to taxi fares at this stage. Furthermore, many people are still deprived of full pay, are on lay off, or have completely lost their jobs because of the novel coronavirus pandemic. Some of them still have to take taxis and buses while they can hardly find the present bus fares.

Consider the man who earns minimum wage or is just in a low-paying job — which covers a good chunk of the workforce — should the bus fare be increased by 80 per cent, what will become of him? He is not getting any increase in his earnings. How will be pay?

Generally speaking, we all need an increase in wages, because the cost of living and the rate of inflation is going up, but that’s unlikely to happen in these times.

As well, some taxi operators do not deserve a fare hike because they have always been overcharging passengers.

And still, Minister of Transport and Mining Robert Montague and Prime Minister Andrew Holness are turning a deaf ear to the issue of lewd music being played on public passenger transportation. Address the filthiness!

Donald McKoy

donaldmckoy77@gmail.com