Taxi associations across the Territory are about to put forward a proposal to Government through the Works and Communications Ministry to have new tariffs approved across the board.

This is against the backdrop of the steady increase of petroleum worldwide, the elected President of the Taxi Federation Sarid Rasheed explained to the VI StandPoint.

“There has not been a fare hike since 1994,” Rasheed said, “And we cannot continue this way. Even now the prices drivers request… we still lose about 20 percent of our profits due to the petroleum cost.”

Currently, there are several taxi drivers who have increased their fares between $1 and $3, and according to Rasheed he understands these drivers plight.

“They too have to make a living, and of course you know it’s not easy on anybody. And in our proposal we are cognizant of that fact,” the President of the Taxi Federation pointed out.

A check of the pumps at several gas stations showed that the prices varied for gasoline with the highest being $4.95 and the lowest $4.86.

The Tourist Board too has a vested interest in the proposed tariffs, and according to one official, the issue needs to be settled urgently since there have been complaints by some tourists who have paid exorbitant fares to reach their destinations.

“Therefore, a list is imperative so that tourists and locals will know the fixed rates from point A to B,” the official stated.

In an effort to get Government’s view on this move, spokesperson Sandra Ward said, “The Premier Ralph O’Neal will be addressing the impact of fuel prices on the Territory’s economy this Friday during the sitting of the House of Assembly.”

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