Commuters to Sangre Grande have slammed the proposed fare hike by the Mayaro Taxi-Drivers’ Association (MTDA) due to come into effect on April 3, 2005.

According to reports, it will now cost a schoolchild travelling from Mayaro to Sangre Grande a whopping $10 one way.

And what’s hurting even more is the fact that just three months ago, MTDA increased its fares from $8 to $9.

Community activist Oliver Alexander stated: “Without any explanation they have increased the fares to Grande again.

“What about the hundreds of children who have to commute daily to school in Sangre Grande and what will become of the children who are coming from the outskirts of Mayaro?”

He said it was hard for parents especially as there is a poor maxi-taxi and bus service to Sangre Grande.

“The financial burden will be twice as much.

Oliver is demanding that the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) send buses on the route to ease the daily burden of the high taxi fares.