The Public Transport Board has said no approvals have been granted to increase public bus fares, as it confirmed notices placed on public transport vehicles were not authorised by the Board.
PTB made the statement Friday night in response to the circulation on social media of a photo of the list of new fares being displayed on public buses, which it said it did not generate, nor authorise.
“Acting swiftly to quell rumours of a fare increase, the PTB has today [Friday] notified all omnibus drivers and operators that the notices advertising unauthorised fare increases must be taken down immediately,” it said.
Drivers advised to remove list
The Board said in its correspondence to public transport operators it advised that noncompliance with this directive “will be promptly addressed and could have adverse consequences”.
The Board confirmed that it had received a request to increase public bus fares.
“However, given the impact that a fare increase could potentially have on the community and on the cost of living, the request is being carefully considered and no decision has been made at this time,” it added.
Based on the circulated image, the supposed fare increases were between $1 and $1.50 according to the respective routes.
Though many expressed surprise over the increase, some commenters argued that the rate has remained unchanged for several years, so it was not wholly unreasonable to have a marginal increase, given inflation and the cost-of-living continue to rise.
However, the PTB reiterated the approved bus fares remain:
Current approved bus fares
George Town – West Bay CI$2.00 / US$2.50
George Town – Bodden Town CI$2.00 / US$2.50
George Town – East End CIS3.50 / US$4.37
George Town – North Side CI$3.50 / US$4.37
George Town – Cayman Kai CI$8.00 / US$10.00
Bus Service around GT CI$2.00 / US$2.50
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