Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has suggested potentially opening the Priority Bus Route (PBR) to all commuters, allowing maxi taxi operators to use it without fees. This proposal comes as a response to operators seeking fare increases following recent toll hikes.
The government recently doubled the quarterly PBR toll from $300 to $600, effectively increasing daily costs from $3 to $6 for drivers. Most traffic fines were similarly doubled, and customs fee increases may drive up vehicle part prices. Some maxi taxi drivers at City Gate had proposed raising short-drop fares from $5 to $8 to offset these increased operational expenses.
However, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar criticized this proposed fare increase, noting the additional $3 daily cost represents “the price of a small Coca Cola.” She emphasized that taxpayers currently subsidize tens of millions in maintenance costs for road markings, traffic lights, road surfaces, drainage, street lighting, City Gate facilities, security, and the PBR unit itself.
The Prime Minister stated, “I’m maybe willing to give the association total control of the entire bus route if they are willing to take over all the costs.” She added that opening the route to all vehicles would eliminate fees for maxi taxis entirely.
In separate remarks, Persad-Bissessar defended her administration’s record, asserting Trinidad and Tobago was “better off under UNC” leadership. She cited progress in public safety and economic revitalization foundations while accusing opponents of seeking “exchange where they become the new beneficiaries of corruption and disorder.” She further criticized the opposing PNM party for insufficiently supporting its core constituents.