MCW Minister to address quick issues of taxi industry

ROADTOWN Tortola BVI January 11th, 2012 – Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Mark Vanterpool will be soon addressing what he terms as “quick wins” for concerns expressed during a taxi and livery operators meeting.

The meeting revealed a number of concerns being experienced by the operators including the role of the Taxi and Livery Commission, enforcement issues, problems at the ports, taxi tariffs, uniforms and the issuing of additional taxi license plates.

“We got a good enlightenment, regarding the issues that the taxi and livery operators experience. I am going to instruct my Ministry to address the easiest problems first, what I call quick wins.” Minister Vanterpool told the Department of Information and Public Relations during a GIS radio report.

There seems to be an overwhelming support for taxi operators to be granted up to two license plates and since this particular problem is under my purview I will be making a decision shortly,” Minister Vanterpool stated, adding that he will also be cleaning up the area in the vicinity of the cruise pier as well as putting interim measures in place at the ports of entry to alleviate some of the concerns expressed.

Other issues that the minister will prioritise and address include the problems with enforcement, traffic wardens and a taxi medallion system. “I will be asking the department along with the commission to set up a small committee to look at the medallion system and to make recommendations on the way forward,” the Minister revealed.

The minister said that he will be reporting back to the taxi operators every six months. “Ultimately we want our taxi operators to be happy and make money, while providing the best services to residents and visitors alike,” he concluded.

An estimated two hundred taxi and livery operators turned out to share their views regarding the impact of the Road Traffic Regulations of 2009 with the Ministry of Communications and Works during a public meeting held on Monday, January 9 at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park.

The Taxi and Livery operators meeting was also attended by the Premier, Honourable Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Minister for Health Honourable Ronnie Skelton and other members of the Caucus.

The Ministry of Communications and Works is committed to to providing efficient and accurate services in vehicle licensing matters and to enhance drivers’ safety in compliance with the Road Traffic legislation of the Territory.

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