Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Mikael Phillips, has written to the Minister of Transport and Mining, Robert Montague, urging him to consider a mechanism to cushion the effect of the new toll rates on the commuting
public.

In a statement, the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) said Phillips wrote the minister today regarding the “Notice of Intention to vary Toll” under the Toll Roads Act, published in the newspapers over the signature of the
Transport Minister, dated June 14, 2021.

Phillips said he was fully aware of the provisions of the Act and the clauses in the Tolling Policy Agreement, including Schedule 15 of the Concession Agreement, which permit an annual application for an increase in the toll tariffs.

However, he questioned the timing of the minister’s intention to approve such a significant increase of 10 per cent
at this time.

“The people of Jamaica, particularly the residents of Portmore, are still suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and many are not even back to full salaries, as, during the lockdown, some companies cut wages and emoluments to maintain staff. As a result, affordability is an issue for residents, whether using private or public
transport,” said Phillips.

He said although the minister had no power to delay either annual reviews or orders by the Toll Authority, he nonetheless called on him to devise an approach to cushion the severe impact on the commuting public before the new rates take effect on the first weekend of July 2021.