Safari fares set at $2 for all routes

ST. THOMAS — Safari drivers have returned to their routes after a strike Monday morning, and the Taxicab Commission has announced that fares are increasing from $1 to $2 after remaining stagnant for about 30 years.

In a phone call with The Daily News on Monday, Taxicab Commission Executive Director Vernice Gumbs said the safari system involves taxicab drivers who agree to run fixed routes to supplement Vitran bus service. But the safaris have been operating on an inconsistent basis, and Gumbs said she has been trying to bring organization to the system.

Following several failed attempts, Gumbs said she met Friday with Bernard James, head of the “Dollar Ride” drivers, about their concerns and desire for certain changes, and agreed that the $2 fare was appropriate. While drivers typically charged $2 for the country route, it was $1 to take the safari in town. Now, Gumbs said the fare will be $2, regardless of where a rider gets on and off.