Premier Meets With Taxi Companies Over Complaints
Following a meeting today [June 22] Premier Dr Ewart Brown said “As the Minister responsible for Tourism and Transport I shall take whatever steps are necessary to provide transportation for Bermudians and visitors to Bermuda. If that means authorizing 100 temporary additional taxis to the existing pool, than that is what we shall do. Those taxi drivers who tend to park their vehicles for most of the day should consider this a warning.”
This afternoon, the Premier, who is also Minister of Transport, called an urgent meeting at the Cabinet Office with representatives of the two Taxi Dispatching Companies to address a series of complaints received by the Ministry of Tourism and Transport regarding poor taxi service.
Premier Dr Brown added, “The discussions between the Government and Bermuda’s Taxi Dispatching Companies were productive and fruitful. It provided an opportunity to outline the criticism and complaints that have been received regarding the level of service provided by the taxi industry particularly, as it relates to the people involved in the Newport-Bermuda Race. This event generates more revenue for Bermuda than any other tourism event we host and we must ensure that the people who are drawn to Bermuda by this exciting race are given ample reason to return to our shores.”
Just a question if I may? Will the other taxi service (295-4141) be back in operation any time soon? I work at The Reefs a few evenings a week and it is a nightmare getting taxis for guest that are visiting our resort from other properties, especially between the hours of 10 PM – 11 PM
As a frequent visitor, did the problem with taxis start when they had to get GPS. I thought at the time that it was Dr. Brown’s company who imported and sold them to the taxi owners.
I have a taxi license and wouldn’t mind driving the evening/late night shift but I cant seem to find a cab to drive. Where are they?
Too busy transporting gang members from one shootout to the next. You’ll be surprised who has licences these days!
No the taxi problem did not start with GPS. Bermudians and tourists alike have always complained about taxis not being available when needed. While there are many who work hard and do their job right, there are always some who spoil it for everyone, who are lazy and park their taxi.
If you drive around Bermuda neighborhoods, you would find them always parked. The GPS was thought to solve this problem but many do not turn them on, b/c wither something is wrong with the systems and/or they are doing a pack and dont want to get caught (ie are the ones not working for Bermuda and our needs)