3 Dec 2007

Taxi fare increase in American Samoa

11:29 am on 3 December 2007

The Commerce Commission in American Samoa is proposing an across the board 50 cent increase in taxi fares.

The last taxi fare hike was in 1992.

The commission is also proposing that smoking be banned in taxis and buses, that all taxis be painted yellow, that tinting of buses and taxis be banned and that all four wheeler buses be phased out by 2010.

Taxis will also be required to post the taxi rate schedule in a conspicuous place in their vehicles and drivers must have their photo ID's displayed.

The taxi fare increase was first discussed two years ago.

Taxi owners have welcomed the fare hike but say that it is not enough considering the sharp rise in the cost of petrol, car parts and maintenance costs.