Thursday, March 25, 2010

Transportation gets pricier in Jamaica

Motorists and commuters of Jamaica’s state-run bus service will find travelling on the country’s roads more expensive in coming days as gas prices and bus fares go up.

Drivers will feel the pinch first, as they pay more at the pumps from today.

Petrojam, the state-owned oil refinery, said gasoline and automotive diesel prices will go up by 15 to 16 cents (less than a US cent) a litre.

Additionally, kerosene will see a small five cent increase, while propane gas goes up by 10 cents and butane by J$1.07 (one US cent).

And in exactly a week, it will cost commuters between 33 and 60 percent more to get on Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses.

Starting April 1st, bus fares in the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR) will be increased from J$50 to J$80 (56 to 90 US cents) for regular adult service, and from J$15 to J$20 (17 to 22 US cents) for concessionary groups including the elderly, disabled and school children.

Transport Minister Mike Henry said the fare increases were inevitable, considering the rise in the cost of fuel, tyres, wages and other operational expenses.

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