From Monday, October 17th, those who take a Belmont taxi for their daily commute will have to pay a $5 fare- an increase of $1.

It is the first price hike for the route since 2014. 

President of the Belmont Taxi Drivers’ Association, Richard Vaughn, said the membership had taken a decision to increase prices after the latest reduction of the fuel subsidy in the September 26th budget presentation.

“Seven times gas went up and we never raise our prices. While the rest of Associations raise theirs. We were the cheapest in Trinidad and Tobago,” he said. 

Vaughn added that just like the general public, taxi drivers were also impacted by the rise in the cost of living. 

Drivers on the route say due to bad roads they also have to visit the mechanic and replace parts more frequently- further justifying the increase.