The government has brought together representatives from several entities to look about organizing in an acceptable manner the issue of transportation of visiting guests at the country’s main gateway, the VC Bird International Airport.
Reports from Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting said the recently appoint Ground Transportation Advisory Committee has submitted recommendations aimed at addressing ongoing challenges in the regulation of ground transportation services at the V.C. Bird International Airport.
The reports noted that of particular concern is the issue of “fly-by-night” operators who unlawfully solicit and transport arriving passengers, undermining legitimate operators and creating safety, order, and security risks. Additionally, gaps in coordination between taxi operators, the United Taxi Company (UTC), Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) have contributed to inefficiencies and unfair competition within the system.
The Ground Transportation Advisory Committee was asked to devise measures to strengthen regulation, enhance enforcement, improve coordination, and increase the professionalism of transportation services at the Airport.
The following recommendations were agreed to by all parties:
1. Curtailment of Fly-by-Night Operators through stronger police enforcement and stronger ABAA enforcement in collaboration with the Police.
2. Non-UTC taxi operators must submit written notification 24 hours in advance to ABAA and UTC before picking up booked passengers.
3. Reintroduction of Dispatcher System at the Airport, organized by the Ministry of Tourism.
4. DMCs to pay a separate vehicle license fee comparable to bus and taxi operators.
5. Introduction of a decal/sticker system for DMCs operating A&C plated vehicles.
6. DMCs must regularize their status with ABAA.
7. DMCs to pay UTC a premium/royalty amount on every vehicle, per trip for jobs not performed by UTC, with terms negotiated between the parties including ABAA.
8. UTC is urged to create an administrative office, implement online bookings to increase market share, and acquire cars and SUVs to complement its fleet.
Present at the meeting were representatives from the following bodies:
a. Transport Board – Mr. Hubert Joseph (Chairperson),
b. Traffic Department – Mr. Carver Wilson (Inspector)
c. United Taxi Association – Mr. Ian Joseph (President)
d. United Taxi Company (UTC) – Mr. Matthew, Mr. Brodie
e. ABAA – Mr. Joseph Samuel, Mr. Jan Walker, Ms. Geneva George
f. Eagle Tours – Mr. Adolphus Freeland
g. ABTB Inspection Centre – Ms. Jossette Payne (Supervisor) Mrs. Sherrylaine Bowens (Project Officer)
Additional stakeholder groups represented included:
1. Ministry of Tourism
2. ABAA
3. United Taxi Company operators at the Airport
4. National Taxi Association (including Villa, West Bus Station, Heritage Quay)
5. Destination Management Companies
6. The Police (Traffic Department)
7. The Ministry of Legal Affairs
