July 23, 2008

‘Fare’ deal, say some taxi men

TAXI OPERATORS are divided over the Minister of Transport John Boyce’s announcement that "favourable consideration" would be given to an increase in taxi fares.

Speaking to the MIDWEEK NATION yesterday, some operators said the increase would help them to deal with the rising cost of fuel, while others believed that the issue of fares was the least of their problems.

Boyce stated on Monday that his ministry had agreed that some taxi fares could be increased as a result of fuel price hikes.

Ivestor Brathwaite, a taxi operator at the Airport, was in favour of the increase in taxi fares.

"We are glad for the increase. The increase given before was nothing," he said.

He is, however, looking to "see what the Government comes up with", and would like to have a "50 per cent increase across the board to deal with gasoleine prices."

Jordan, a taxi operator on upper Broad Street, also agreed with the fare hike.

"I think it is a good idea. It would be a tremendous help in dealing with the cost of fuel. You will never be able to beat the cost of living no matter what you do."

However, some operators believed that there were other problems that needed to be dealt with.

Oswille Clarke, a taxi driver for more than 40 years, said there were too many taxis: "The problem is that there are too many taxis, [especially] in Bridgtown. I would like to see the ministry take steps to reduce the number of taxis.

"When there’s nothing happening at the Port, they come and take up all the space in town [and] town is too small for the number of taxis that we have," he said.

However, Shawn Browne who operates from the Accra area, blamed the taxi industry’s challenges on the fact that the market was on the decline, something which he claimed was occurring since 2005.

"Things have slowed down. If we don’t get the people, the raise does not make a difference. Most of the [taxi operators] have their own rates anyway," he added. (LW)

http://www.nationnews.com/story/292058891220107.php