Cuba warns cabbies not to raise fares amid energy crunch

Cuba warns cabbies not to raise fares amid energy crunch

Cuban authorities warned Friday that they will pull the licenses of
private taxi drivers who raise fares.
BY ANDREA RODRIGUEZ
Associated Press

HAVANA
Cuban authorities warned Friday that they will pull the licenses of
private taxi drivers who raise fares, amid recently announced energy
restrictions that have many islanders bracing for difficult months ahead.

The mostly 1950s-era American cars that function as collective taxis
cost as little as about 40 cents and are a key transportation option
with bus service lacking in many areas, and people have complained of
rates doubling on some routes.

The warning comes as officials have slashed many fuel allotments for
government vehicles by half and ordered state buildings to shorten the
workday and cut back on air conditioning use. Officials say the
restrictions are necessary in part because of the political and economic
crisis afflicting Venezuela and a reduction in the amount of oil Cuba
receives on preferential terms from its South American ally.

Official website Cubadebate reported that Havana official Isabel Hamze
said government officials held an emergency meeting and agreed to take
"severe measures" against drivers who hike fares.

"Conditions have not changed to the point where the cost of passenger
transportation should be raised because of the stability of the price of
fuel in the country," Cubadebate said.

Private taxis have mushroomed in Havana since 2010, when President Raul
Castro's government began allowing some private-sector activity
including the granting of more cab licenses.

The 10-peso (40-cent) base fare has been the same since the last decade.
On several previous occasions drivers have tried to raise it only to be
quashed by authorities.

Havana transportation director Jose Conesa told Cubadebate cabbies who
defy the order will have their licenses taken away. Authorities also set
up a phone number for citizens to call in any complaints about being
overcharged.

Starting Monday police and inspectors will be carrying out controls at
places where taxis congregate to make sure the rules are obeyed.

Source: Cuba warns taxi drivers not to raise fares | In Cuba Today -
http://www.incubatoday.com/news/article89901497.html