Public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators are being cautioned by the Transport Authority (TA) against overcharging passengers following the recent increase in the fare rates for taxi and bus operators.

As of this Sunday (October 15), commuters are set to face a 19 per cent increase in bus and taxi fares.

An additional 16 per cent increase is to take effect on April 1, 2024.

Ralston Smith, managing director of the TA, who was speaking at a press conference at the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport on October 12, said as of October 15, teams from the authority will be closely monitoring the implementation of the increase.

“We are using this medium to warn all PPV operators to charge only the prescribed fare. The authority will spare no effort in investigating and prosecuting operators who overcharge passengers,” he said.

He stressed that the act of overcharging will attract a maximum fine of J$100,000, according to Road Traffic Regulations outlined in the Road Traffic Act.

“We will act as the vanguard of public passenger transport, and that duty and responsibility is on the TA to protect commuters and legitimate PPV operators. We, therefore, will not be biased in terms of our investigation,” he said.

Commuters who experience acts of overcharging are asked to report these incidents by calling the toll-free line 1-888-991-5687 or 876-926-8912 or send videos or photographs to 876-511-8196.

The TA said that complaints about overcharging should include licence plate number, the route and location of the incident.

It said the prescribed fares will be published in The Gleaner on October 13, on the authority’s website (www.ta.org.jm) and social media pages.