The taxi association is creating its own dispatch service and has called on its members to leave existing dispatches that host ridesharing.

Executive members of the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association held a press conference yesterday during which it announced it would not be supporting any MP or political party in favour of ridesharing.

The group assembled to discuss the Government’s proposals for ridesharing, which will change legislation to allow private vehicles to be used for public hire on a seasonal basis.

A pilot ridesharing programme was approved by the Government in March along with the implementation of the first fare increase in ten years.

At the press conference, the BTOA shared close to 30 questions that have been sent to the Government along with the request that they be answered within five days.

These include the details about the tender process for the ridesharing app that will support the plan, the requirements for a company to win the tender, the entities involved in leading the host rideshare service and the financial operational impact on the present taxi operators.

The BTOA’s press conference also covered topics related to the insuring and licensing of rideshare vehicles, and the operational oversight.

While Susan Jackson, the shadow transport minister, was at the press conference at Coco Reef Resort along with Rayki Bascome-Emery, of the Free Democratic Movement, and Sir John Swan, there was no government representative in the room.

Ricky Tucker, the president of the BTOA, said: “We decided to create our own transport application after months of consultation with partners throughout the world, and exploring the many challenges of having non-licensed dispatch entities that provide transportation apps that make fees off us.

“We want our own app that is for the people and by the people. Therefore, the BTOA has started the process to be the authority of the taxi industry and operations.

“The BTOA will advise its members to withdraw subscription services from any dispatch services that host rideshare operations.

“The BTOA members and family will not be voting for any MP that is supporting rideshare or any policies introduced by the minister in the coming days, weeks or months ahead.

“The BTOA will not be voting for PLP.”

Sylvia Douglas, secretary for the BTOA, added: “We are fighting for our lives. Our vehicle licence has been devalued and our business of being self-employed is at risk financially. Regrettably, we have no other course, hence the purpose of this press conference.

“Government has to understand that they can’t create or make amendments to legislation unilaterally. The people of Bermuda have to be included in any decisions.

“Because of the Government’s failure to be transparent, failure to listen, failure to be a partner in a democratic society and continued disenfranchisement of the taxi industry, we have decided to be our own entity that pools all our own resources in our own environment, becoming a self-contained entity, ensuring that every dollar stays within our community.”

Ms Douglas said that as an authority, the BTOA will take measures such as creating an insurance pool to help drive down costs for its members.

Mr Tucker was asked what the BTOA knows about the tender process for the ridesharing app, to which he responded: “We haven’t had any information regarding that from the Government. We have asked but nothing has come forward.”

He said that the organisation had heard that Hitch, involving David Burt, the Premier, as a shareholder, could be involved. Mr Tucker added: “As far as we have heard, Hitch will be the new rideshare central dispatch. We are still trying to get that information. We have asked.”

Mr Tucker questioned how Hitch gained its licence, claiming that other similar companies had their applications rejected.

The BTOA representatives said that it was the group’s understanding that gypsy cab drivers, who have been operating illegally up to this point, will be given the first opportunity to apply for a ridesharing permit, which come at a cost of $1,000.

Mr Tucker said: “As far as we can gather, there are 150 permits that are going to be sold at $1,000 per permit. We don’t believe that the gypsy cab drivers are willing to pay $1,000 for those permits. We asked Government over a year ago to give us 150 extra taxi permits that would be seasonable and function from April 1 to September 30. That request was denied.”

Mr Tucker said the BTOA met the union, which said that it cannot represent a union body unless all the members are signed up.

“A lot of our members don’t want to pay the $30 to become a member of the BTOA. We know the challenge it will be for them to pay $300 plus to become a union member,” Mr Tucker said.

However, unionisation was not ruled out.

Sir John said that it is the industry’s job to make representations to the Government, which in turn should be responsible for creating a national plan for public transport.

Mr Emery said the FDM does not believe the industry should be centralised.

He said: “We don’t see the need for this to be centralised. Every dispatch company should be the masters of their own destiny.

“As a consumer I should have more choice. We want decentralisation and less regulation.

“I agree that this is a national issue but we have to be careful about giving Government control over everything you do.”

The Cabinet has authorised the grant of a maximum of 150 new permits to be known as rideshare permits.

Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, said in March: “This permit, granted to the holder of a Public Service Vehicle licence, will come with a nominal fee of $1,000. The rideshare permit will be easily identifiable through a designated logo affixed to the vehicle's windscreen, signifying compliance with established guidelines.

“Moreover, as the purpose of this change is to ensure additional transportation capacity during peak times, a rideshare-permitted vehicle will be permitted to operate daily from April 1 through September 30.

“During the rest of the year, rideshare vehicles will be permitted on weekends, starting Friday and public holidays.”

The Ministry of Transport did not respond to questions by press time.