Original (en)

Despite sharply rising fuel prices as a result of the ongoing war in the Middle East, operators of public passenger vehicles (PPV) in Jamaica will have to wait a while longer before being granted an outstanding 16 per cent fare adjustment. Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz spoke to the issue on Tuesday during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives. PPV operators have been clamouring for a fare increase since fuel prices started climbing following the February 28 attack on Iran by the United States and Israel. Despite a shaky ceasefire in place since April 8, oil prices have continued to rise, with the knock-on effect being higher prices for other goods and services. “I am aware that Jamaica’s public passenger vehicle sector is under strain due to rising fuel prices as well as the outstanding 16 per cent fare adjustment,” said Vaz. “As I’ve said before, the issue of the 16 per cent fare adjustment is under continued consideration bearing in mind the effect on inflation and of course as they say, bad luck worse than obeah. Every time we’re at that point, we either have a hurricane or something to disrupt our economic forecasts and plans but I give assurance that commitment was made and commitment will be met,” he added. Vaz noted that fuel now accounts for up to 65 per cent of monthly operating expenses for PPV operators in addition to increasing tolls, insurance, and maintenance costs which he acknowledged are “threatening the sector’s sustainability”. He told the House that in response, the Government is fast-tracking the implementation of the 16 per cent fare adjustment with a supporting public communication plan, while also exploring relief measures such as insurance premium reductions, concessionary tolls, and stronger enforcement against illegal operators. “Long-term solutions include fleet modernisation through an updated vehicle age policy, incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles, technical and financial training, and