My dreams of a financial reprieve were dashed recently when I learned of an increase of the fare on the Edinburgh 500 Phases 1-4 to Chaguanas Main Road route.I do understand that taxi drivers provide a valuable service and should be adequately compensated. However, this price increase is not justified. I live in Phase 2 and after learning of the fare hike I disembarked the vehicle to walk home. The driver of the vehicle maliciously shouted "that is a long walk eh darling." I continued on my way and arrived home within 12 minutes.
Quite frankly, for any able-bodied and healthy person not laden with goods, that is not a lengthy walk. Also, taxis to Port-of-Spain and Curepe are $9 and $7 respectively. How then is a journey not even a half of either of the aforementioned trips, worth $4?Furthermore, in my estimation, 95 per cent of Edinburgh 500 drivers are "PH." They are not burdened with taxes or other charges that "H" drivers must pay. Most roads in Phases 1-3 are well-paved and maintained. So what exactly prompted this change in fare?
At this present time I can find no justification for this increase. If the drivers believed the price increase was a valid one they should have informed the community of their reasons prior to enforcing the change in fare, preferably by posting letters/notices on well-traversed places, for example, by Pop's Mini Mart.
To the driver who callously told me "is just $1," I'd like him to know that as a young, unmarried and childless professional, the fare hike may not have an adverse effect on me. However, for many citizens of our society, that extra $1 may affect their ability to send their children to school on a regular basis.If every service provider increased their prices by "just $1," how will most of us survive?
Janelle,
via e-mail