United Taxi Association has sought clarification from the government regarding the new licence fees that have been implemented through the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board.
President of the Association, Ian Joseph along with his deputy, Ian Richards were invited to Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting to address some misunderstandings regarding payments to the Transport Board.
“The Association was of the view that its members were exempt from the new user-fee that is being imposed on all cars operating on the streets of Antigua and Barbuda. The Cabinet confirmed what the Association had been told by the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, that each vehicle is required to pay the equivalent of $2.00 per week ($100 per year) which will go into a separate fund to repay a $100 million-dollar-loan from the banks, for road repairs. There was agreement on moving forward on this point. The taxi drivers reminded the Cabinet that roads leading to certain identified hotels are in need of urgent repairs. The Cabinet took note of the proposed repairs and indicated its willingness to share their concerns with the Ministry of Works.
Meanwhile, the Association, which operates from the V.C. Bird International Airport, reported to the Cabinet the ongoing issue where there is an influx of drivers who pick-up and discharge passengers driving cars with “A” and “C” plates but who are doing so for hire.
The United Taxi Association representatives sought the intervention of the Cabinet to eliminate this practice, which hurts the airport taxi drivers’ income and dilutes the security which a registered taxi-driver provides.
“The Cabinet gave a promise to work with the authorities at the Airport to provide stricter controls. Many solo travelers, the Cabinet was informed, are female; ensuring their greater security on their way to and from the V.C. Bird International Airport is critical to the success of tourism, the United Taxi Association informed,” the Cabinet Notes reported.
