Rigorous qualifications process being implemented for local taxi drivers– Hon Rymer
In a statement at the continuation of the Eighth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA) on February 20, 2024, Hon Rymer said the Ministry of Communications and Works has worked diligently, in partnership with the Taxi and Levy Commission, to develop criteria for issuing taxi permits that will enable transparency, fairness, efficiency and quality in the VI taxicab industry.
“Firstly, we focused on simplifying and streamlining the process for acquiring a taxi permit. The criteria for approving our taxi permit applications will establish a standardised, efficient procedure that outlines precise requirements and reduces the waiting period for a response to an application,” he said.
According to Hon Rymer, the new move will require aspiring taxi operators to have knowledge of local rules and it will ensure driver competency through rigorous background checks including criminal records, driving records, evaluations and proof of medical fitness. These checks, he said, will provide citizens and visitors with safer, and more secure taxi services.
“Secondly, we endeavored to mitigate the reality of limited taxi permits availability in our territory. The system for the approval for application must allow for fair competition and encourage innovation. There are currently 708 active taxi licences in the Virgin Islands. To prevent oversaturation of the industry, it is necessary to set a reasonable cap and the number of taxi permits issued, while safeguarding an open, transparent process for obtaining them,” he said.
Caps on licences to be implemented - Hon Rymer
Hon Rymer said the caps will foster a healthy market environment where drivers are motivated to provide excellent service and passengers have access to a variety of options. “Thirdly, we are pursuing the ultimate goal of maintaining a well-functioning taxi industry. Accountability is crucial to this goal.”
The Minister said, therefore, the establishment of a responsive regulatory body that handles complaints, investigates reports of misconduct, and takes appropriate action against drivers who violate the rules is paramount.
This regulatory body, he said, is already in place to ensure that the public is aware of the steps being taken to address any issues emerging within the industry.
According to Hon Rymer, the Taxi and Livery Commission will continue to enhance the taxi industry in its functions as the regulatory unit within the ministry.
Further, the minister said the VI will also consider the introduction of performance-based standards for issuing taxi permits. “We will establish clear benchmarks that drivers must meet to continue operating. These standards can include factors such as customer satisfaction ratings, adherence to traffic rules, and vehicle maintenance records,” among other measures he said.
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23 Responses to “Rigorous qualifications process being implemented for local taxi drivers– Hon Rymer”
They will revolt at the requirement to use all this new-fangled technology.
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A few suggested criteria for testing and potential license penalties:
Ability to maintain a speed of over 10mph with passengers aboard, rather than intentionally driving slowly to overcharge unsuspecting tourists.
Capability to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front when not carrying passengers, as opposed to tailgating due to impatience to get back to their dominoes game.
Proficiency in operating indicators correctly and knowing when and how to use them.
Understanding and adherence to traffic regulations, including not stopping on dual carriageways, at junctions, on corners, or on roundabouts to pick up passengers.
Some of them taxi from morning to midnight super nasty
Beyond physical health; mental disorders, substance abuse and a history of seizures needs be taken into account.
Good luck reducing that number. Taximan lobby isn’t going to take it lying down…