A 20 percent increase in taxi fares is now in effect. The Commissioner of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, Andy Rutnik, pointed out this is the first rate increase for the island’s drivers in almost six years. The $9 trip from Red Hook to the Airport will now cost $11.
Visitors will note that the one-way cost of the Red Hook ferry increased $1 in August, and that luggage carried on the ferry now costs $2 a bag. This makes the island more expensive for everyone, especially families.
Rutnik said there is now a provision for hotels to negotiate group discounts for their guests. It will be interesting to see if the island’s villa rental companies can take advantage of this option.