PSVs want $3 fare

Article by RANDY BENNETT

THE OWNERS of public service vehicles (PSV) are seeking an increase in bus fares of a minimum of one dollar as a result of the tax increases in last month’s Budget.

On Wednesday, the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) and the Association of Public Transport Operators (APTO) sent a joint fare petition to Minister of Finance Chris Sinckler, who had announced a hike in the National Social Responsibility Levy (NSRL) from two per cent to ten per cent, and an increase of $0.24 per litre in the excise tax on diesel with effect from July 1.

In the letter, AOPT and APTO said the recent budgetary proposals had put a further strain on PSV and taxi owners and they urged the Government to raise the fares to at least $3.

A similar appeal was also sent to the minister in July last year. (RB)

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