Transport Authority officials are advising commuters on the Spanish Town to Half-Way Tree/Downtown route, who take Coaster buses, not to pay hiked fees, and if they do, to report these occurrences to their offices.

Since late last year, commuters have been complaining to THE STAR about the hike by these bus operators, who often cite the rising cost in fuel and extortion as the reason for their increases.

Keith Goodison, managing director of the Transport Authority, told THE STAR that they have received complaints, but persons have to call his offices with the date and time of the occurrence and the licence plate number of the buses.

"If you are overcharged, you collect your ticket, you record the date, the time and the licence number of the bus and you call our toll free number. That gives me what I want because I can go on my system and I can call that person in my office," he said.

Cooperation needed

Goodison said, despite the efforts both overtly and covertly in nabbing these buses, the co-operation of the public is needed to effectively rein in the operators. He said that during the upcoming licensing period in February and March, he would be having hearings for the revocation of the licences of repeat offenders.

Meanwhile, Minister of Trans-port and Works Mike Henry has said that there has not been any increase in fares despite application by several associations for one.

"There has been no approval for any raise in fares for any form of transport. The matter is on my desk being reviewed and it is being dealt with by the Jamaica Urban Transport Authority," he told THE STAR.

Transport Authority Customer Complaints Number: 1-888-991-5687.