Roll back the toll


Several users of the Portmore Toll Road are asking the operators of the toll road, Trans Jamaica Highway Limited to roll back the prices.

One young man in his twenties said the rise in the cost to use the toll really bothers him, and he was not in support of an increase at this time. "The timing is not right as there are so many increases people have to face, such as food stuffs and gas, things are getting harder and harder everyday."

He's not the only one who feels this way.

A middle-aged woman an owner of a Toyota Corolla motor car is also requesting a roll back. "I have to take the toll four times per day, that's $400 total daily, and for the week that's $2000, it really hard for me right now," she said. "I want a roll back even to $80," she added.

Owners of Class Two vehicles which include small buses, SUVs, and pick up trucks are also feeling the pinch.

"Bwoy it wicked! mi haffi pay $140 for this little van yah, fe past the toll it rough eno father. Since the toll increased I have taken it less than usually, I just can't afford it," one man said as he sped away in his vehicle.

Some motorists have opted to reduce the number of times they traverse the roughly five kilometre stretch.

"First time I used to take it two times per week. Now, I use it once or none at all. I'm mostly using the Mandela Highway," a motorist said.

One bus operator said the toll increase is cutting into his profits. As for each 10 trips he makes it costs about $2,800 in addition to diesel which costs more than $90 per litre. "I have my workers to pay and a bus to maintain, what they expect us to do?" he asked.

Still, not everyone agrees that the increase should be cut.

convenient toll

One man, who resides in Greater Portmore, said the toll is convenient to him and he does not see any problem with the increase. "Well the bills have to be paid, and one way of doing that is to beef up the toll cost. People must understand that we must pay for progress. The toll road save you on gas and less wear on tear on your tyres. Just think of it as saving on your mechanic bills," he opined.

When contacted, a spokesperson at Trans Jamaica Highway limited was unwilling to comment if there was a decrease in the number of toll users. The spokesperson said the general manager who was in the best position to speak on the matter was unavailable.

The toll increase on the Portmore leg of Highway 2000 took effect earlier this month, after two years in operation. Currently, motor cars and bikes pay $100, up from $60, SUVs, pickups and vans $140, up from $100, and buses and trucks $280, up from $200.