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The Transport Ministry has indicated that it will be bringing to Cabinet on June 1, the issue of an outstanding 16 per cent fare increase for public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz made the commitment during a meeting with groups representing transport operators on Monday.

The meeting was attended by Finance Minister Fayval Williams and State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Senator Abka Fitz-Henley.

During the meeting, productive, honest and cordial conversations were had concerning the issue of the outstanding 16 per cent increase and the implications for the wider society and the local economy.

Minister Vaz reminded the transport operators that Cabinet had approved a 35 per cent fare increase in October 2023, with 19 per cent implemented at the time and the remaining 16 per cent deferred due to concerns over inflationary impacts on the wider economy. He further explained that worsening global conditions, including the lingering effects of COVID-19, hurricanes, and escalating geopolitical tensions affecting oil prices, have further complicated the situation.

Minister Vaz commented: “We are trying to balance a delicate situation. Whereas you have not gotten the 16 per cent as of right now, you have been cushioned by the policies of the Government in relation to how we handle the increases in fuel prices.

“The Government’s fuel pricing mechanism, which caps weekly increases at $4.50 per litre despite international fluctuations that could reach as high as $12.50, has already resulted in nearly $4 billion in absorbed costs. The beneficiary of that subsidy is the biggest users of fuel—our valued transport operators. If we were to move away from the $4.50 ceiling and fully pass on those increases, the impact on Jamaicans would be severe.”

Minister Williams told the transport operators that the Government of Jamaica recognises its commitment to a fare increase made in 2023 and is in the process of finalising discussions on the best pathway to implement the increase while ensuring that consumers are protected and there is no major dislocation in the economy.

Minister Williams told the groups representing transport operators that the Government is considering a phased approach to the 16 per cent increase, which was committed to in 2023. The finance minister reiterated that Cabinet would discuss the issue further, including on June 1, 2026, and committed to open and honest conversations with groups representing transport operators.

Both Ministers Vaz and Williams noted that following review by the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, the matter will be taken to Cabinet for a final determination on whether the adjustment will be implemented in full or through a phased approach with a defined timeline and effective date.

Minister Williams reiterated that the Government has been absorbing a significant portion of rising global oil costs since February 2026, following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

Minister Williams commented: “To date, since February, we have been absorbing as a government about $4 billion in costs because we know the public transportation sector could not bear that, and neither could Jamaicans across the board, many of whom are still recovering from Hurricane Melissa. This global price or oil price war could not have come at a worse time for Jamaicans. We still recognise that the 16 per cent increase has been outstanding for over two years, and it is something we are seriously considering.

“We’re asking for a little more time, right into June, two weeks to have that discussion to let us see what the best figure is we can put on the table. If we increase transportation costs all at once, it will have a ripple effect through the economy, and Jamaicans will feel it immediately.”

During the meeting, representatives of the Transport operators said it was not their intention to take strike action at this time but stressed the heightened concern among their membership about the cost of operating in the sector.

Ministers Vaz and Williams thanked the transport operators for their patience and reiterated the Government of Jamaica’s commitment to achieving an amicable and productive solution to the issue of the outstanding 16 per cent increase.