The Taxi and Livery Commission has been hosting a series of meetings with local operators in the transportation-for-hire sector to discuss newly proposed taxi tariffs for the territory and a merit point system that could result in license suspensions.
Senior Research Analyst in the Premier’s Office, Joseph Rosan, proposed tariffs similar to the 2009 numbers, adjusted for inflation. He created a tier system that considered the cost for East End taxi operators from Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island to the West End, with a breakdown of each location in between.
Rosan stated that the factors considered included terrain, cost per mile, distance, and the inflation rate. Charges for luggage sizes, pets, and surfboards were also discussed.
He informed the taxi operators that these numbers were theoretical and encouraged them to apply their real-world experience to adjust the numbers fairly for both themselves and their customers. Based on the proposed figures, operators indicated that they might lose money in some areas but make up for it in others to ensure a profit.
In the meantime, Minister for Communication and Works, Kye Rymer, informed the taxi operators that the proposed numbers were not final. They will be used to collect data to present a final document proposing the new taxi tariff.
Merit Point System
A merit point system was also created for the taxi operators.
“If your vehicle is unkempt, there’s a point you lose for that. There’s also a charge against you within the laws. When you accumulate a certain amount of points in a year, you are suspended based on what you lose,” Jevaughn Parsons, the Director of the Taxi & Livery Commission, stated.
The meetings followed a standard process in all areas, with a debate over each location and its cost.
The next meeting is set to take place at the Emile Dunlop Community Centre on June 13 for the Anegada Taxi Operators.
whatever you come up with, it should be clearly posted in each taxi.
Also, the general public should have a way to report those “professional drivers” who don’t use turn signals, don’t have working brake lights, stop without warning in the middle of the road etc.