Jamaica Gas Prices

We have looked at the increases and we recognise that the Portmore leg had the highest average increase of  20.75%. Before we look at the actual cost and the impact on budgets let us make some assumptions. We will first assume that the Portmore driver goes to work and back home each day for 5 days a week. We will do our calculation using  4 weeks in a month and we are not removing the holidays.

Class One Vehicle

For a Class One driver the toll moves from $100 to $120.  For an average month the cost moves from somewhere over $4,000 ($100×5x2×4) to over $4,800 ($120×5x2×4).

For a year, 52 weeks, this figure moves from $52,000 (100×5x2×52) to $62,400 (120×5x2×52)

Class Two Vehicle

For a Class Two driver, Larger SUVs the toll moves from $140 to $170. For an average month the cost moves from somewhere over $5,600 ($140×5x2×4) to over $6,800 ($170×5x2×4).

For a year, 52 weeks, this figure moves from $72,800 ($140140×5x2×52) to $88,400 ($170×5x2×52)

Options

The question now is what will the Kingston based worker that drives and uses the toll road alter their budget? Do doubt this increase will have an impact on workers subject to wage freeze and increase prices all around. Ensuring that the best petrol(gas) is being purchased for the lowest price and keeping the vehicle tuned will be critical in maximising savings.

One is way is opting to car-pool, take the bus or look at the tele-commuting option given our increasing Internet and computer penetration. Somewhere in the mix we possible might here the phrase flexi-week.

Do you have any ideas?

After a few weeks notice of the impending toll rate increases, Jamaicans on the told roads woke up to the reality of the increases. The increases are significant especially given the current recessions and testing times facing the island of Jamaica.

The increase shown significant with the lowest increase of  $10 being around a 15% increase.

Vineyards Plaza (Kingston/Spanish Town to Sandy Bay)

Class one: $230 to $270

Class two: $310 to $370

Class three: $580 to $700

Spanish Town (Spanish Town to Kingston)

Class one: $70 to $80

Class two: $90 to $110

Class three: $180 to $210

Portmore ( Portmore to Kingston the shortest leg but has a six lane bridge)

Class one: $100 to $120

Class two: $140 to $170

Class three: $280 to $340

Class one are regular motorcars, Class two include SUVs, small buses and Class three include large buses, trucks, trailers

Just a note. The Toll Authority website still shows the old toll rates. The toll rates have not been updated on the website.