Andrea Downer, Gleaner Writer
These workmen were busy covering up huge holes along a section of the Bog Walk gorge on Monday as repair work gets into high gear. The gorge was extensively damaged by Hurricane Dennis last week, after the Rio Cobre burst its bank. - CARLINGTON WILMOT/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
THE CLOSURE of the Bog Walk gorge in St. Catherine because of damage wreaked by Hurricane Dennis has resulted in a hike in fares charged by bus and taxi operators.
Faced with a long, winding journey through the hills of Sligoville in St. Andrew, which is more than twice the length of the Bog Walk route, commuters are hurting where it matters most - in their pockets. In some instances, fares have more than doubled.
THE MOST SEVERELY AFFECTED
Based on investigations by The Gleaner on Monday, passengers who travel to Linstead from Spanish Town are the most severely affected. Taxis are now charging $150, $80 more than the $70 that they charged before the road closure. It also now costs twice as much to take the bus along that route as commuters are now being charged $100.
Some passengers were resigned to the situation, acknowledging that they had little choice. However, others, such as a young man who said he was on his way to Linstead en route to St. Mary, did not receive news of the fare hikes very well.
"Bwoy, it betta mi go home back, 'cause mi no have di $150 fi pay pon di taxi," he declared.
However, despite his mis-givings, when the taxi drove off, he was on board.
Buses that ply the Spanish Town to Ocho Rios route have increased their fares by $50, and persons travelling to Moneague have to pay $20 more.
WHY INCREASE FARES?
The bus operators claimed the fare increases were justified, as longer journeys meant they had to pay more for petrol and had fewer trips per day. Most drivers claimed that an hour more has been added to their routes.
Only buses plying the Kingston to Montego Bay route indicated yesterday that their fares have not increased. A bus operator who says he has been plying that route for 15 years said he has no plans to hike the $350 he charges.
