Tension is brewing over the public transport sector as both Opposition Spokesperson Mikael Phillips and Transport Minister Daryl Vaz spar over the implementation of a 35 per cent fare increase and the former’s role in the decision-making process.

Phillips has withdrawn from the Transport Sector Steering Committee following comments made by Vaz about his and Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s involvement in the process. Phillips said the Opposition will find other effective means of continuing dialogue with all stakeholders in the sector.

Golding, who spoke at a People’s National Party (PNP) gathering in St Mary on Sunday, said a fare increase was warranted but chastised the Government for its failure to cushion the cost of public transportation. He said the Government’s failure to implement sustainable policies had compounded the problems being faced by the operators, particularly in rural Jamaica.

In response, Vaz said the Opposition leader’s comments were an attempt to score cheap political points. He further noted that the Opposition was consulted on the fare increase and had no objection.

Opposition denies involvement in decision

Phillips, in a statement yesterday, stated that Vaz’s claims were false. He contended that before the establishment of the Transport Sector Steering Committee, he informed the minister of transport that the Opposition would not be involved in discussions about fare increases.

“I, therefore, was not a part of the sub-committee which made the recommendation for a 35% fare increase in two stages of 19% on October 15, 2023, and a compounded 16% on April 1, 2024,” Phillips declared.

He further called on Vaz to withdraw comments made about the Opposition leader and the PNP’s position on public transportation.

According to Phillips, the PNP has always believed in making public transport more affordable for the public. He reiterated that in response to the proposed increase, the Opposition suggested “a comprehensive policy approach, including lowering the cost of fuel and funds for re-fleeting obsolete rural buses”.

He said the Opposition also suggested that the Government caps for a period, the special consumption ad valorem tax on fuel at US$67.50 a barrel, as oil was now US$85. However, these suggestions were not accepted by the transport minister.