Fears over bus fare hike
Published:Friday | March 19, 2010 | 12:00 AM
The Editor, Sir:
To extradite or not to extradite is now the buzz-topic for all and sundry, especially those who have deep interests in the United States of America. Business persons, politicians and their associates are in danger of losing their American visas if the Bruce Golding government fails to do what they, the upper classes, think is right. And so the word is extradite and save the visas. Fortunately or unfortunately, the majority of us 'common Jamaicans' have no visa to travel overseas and so we must be contented with travelling locally.
The cost of transportation for the average citizen has now become a financial burden, yet we do not hear the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, Jamaica Manufacturers' Association or the Opposition party saying anything. Come April 1, the cost of bus fares will be increased significantly. Speculation is rife that the increase will be almost 100 per cent, and even though the minister has denied this is so and dismissed it as rumours, we should not hold our breaths 'cause if a no so then a nearly so'.
If these rumours turn out to be true, then the minister of transport and works needs to tell us about the recommendations of the Office of Utilities Regulations. If these increases turn out to be as high as being rumoured, then bus fares will be relatively higher than the basic toll rates.
I am, etc.,
HOWARD HAMILTON
Portmore Pines, St Catherine