The number of public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators charged for overcharging commuters has increased to 89, as the Government seeks to clamp down on the illegal activity.

Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz, who gave the update at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, promised to continue pursuing PPV operators who choose to violate the law.

“There has been an increase, and it is going to be sustained both in terms of the overcharging, which has been an issue, and the discipline on the roads. Operation transport streamline continues, which is a collaboration between transport authority and the traffic police, and it is all island,” said the minister.

While he did not state the figures, Vaz said there is also an increase in the number of traffic tickets that have been issued to PPV operators due to indiscipline on the roads.

Following the Government’s announcement of a 19 per cent fare increase for PPV operators, effective October 15, reports emerged of widespread overcharging, prompting swift action from the Transport Authority.

Under the new Road Traffic Act, PPV operators may be fined up to J$100,000 for overcharging passengers.

More than 50 operators were prosecuted for overcharging five days after the increase took effect.

An additional 16 per cent fare increase for PPV operators will take effect in April 2024.

In the meantime, fares for the Government-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) have decreased.

Regular passenger fares for the JUTC, which only operates in Kingston and Portmore and Spanish Town in St Catherine, will move from $100 to $70, effective January 1, 2024. Bus fares for pensioners will decrease from $40 to $30, and Student fares will move from $30 to $25.

A further reduction in April 2024 will move regular fares from $70 to $50. Student fares will move from $25 to $20 and pensioners from $40 to $30.