Taxi drivers asked to unite and 'fight for the industry’
Taxi owners across the island have been called to unite to push for changes to their industry.
The Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association issued a letter, seen by this newspaper, asking its members and those yet to become members to “step up and get involved in fighting for the industry”.
The concerns largely centre on rates taxi owners are able to charge customers as well as the need for centralised dispatching to improve service.
The letter, signed by the BTOA executive and BTOA taxi transition team sub-committee, said: “Now is the time for all owners to come together if they truly believe in this industry that has been built by many of our forefathers and left to us to improve upon.
“It shouldn’t matter what type of work you do — tours, corporate, random road running — we must all be in this together because we all will be affected by moves government is planning under the guise of a ‘holistic approach to transportation’.
“No one should feel superior or exempt. We should all be thankful for each other as our diversity of work makes our industry unique and a sought-after investment. Protecting our investment in this uniquely Bermudian industry is key.
“Owners, and those not yet a financial member of the BTOA, are being asked to step up and get involved in fighting for the industry that WE envision and not what government feels is an easy way to increase their revenue while devaluing our permits and our industry.”
Rate increase to the meter – 20 per cent across the board including to start rate.
Rate 3 – the highest rate – to start at 9pm and run through 7am.
Tour rates to increase at the same rate as applied to the meter. [eg, If a regular taxi ride gets a 20 per cent increase then tour rates should increase by 20 per cent].
Increase to the wait time at the same rate as applied to the meter. [A full, across the board rate increase]
All bodies taking up a seat will be considered as one person like the airlines. [Babies not taking up a seat not included]
Agreement to pursue the implementation of a Central Digital Dispatch.
Outlining the issues to be raised, the BTOA added: “Whatever is achieved will benefit us all. That said, a roadblock has been placed in our way and we, the taxi industry, are at a crossroads.”
As promised in the 2022 Throne Speech, the Ministry of Transport is dedicated to harmonising and modernising Bermuda's transportation system.
Our primary goal is to establish a coordinated and efficient transportation system, including public service vehicles. We aim to achieve a balanced approach that meets the requirements of diverse stakeholders while enhancing the transportation infrastructure in a modernised manner.
The Ministry has conducted extensive consultations with the BTOA, carefully considering their concerns. Additionally, the Ministry remains actively involved in ongoing talks with stakeholders, including the BTOA, as we finalise the recommendations provided by all interested parties.
David Burt said in May that the taxi industry is to face a major overhaul.
The Premier told Parliament that taxi companies were failing to provide a service to late-night revellers and that other private companies could be brought in to fill the gap.
He said he believed Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, would improve the industry.
Last month, the One Bermuda Alliance called on the Government to hold a transportation summit with taxi operators.
The call came after taxi owners said they wanted a meeting with ministers to try and help shape policy.
The association has organised a series of meetings to take place during July and August.
The BTOA said: “Meetings will be held in the upcoming weeks to answer your questions, to share what we can about things being done and/or planned and to hopefully encourage those sitting on the fence to become a member of the BTOA and be a part of major and historic change being planned to move our industry forward.”
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