Govt Advisory: ‘Private Vehicles Used For Hire’
The Ministry of Transport advised that “private vehicles used for hire are unregulated, and as such, have the potential to put riders at risk” and also noted that “under section 26 [1] of the Motor Car Act 1951, the use of private vehicles for hire or reward is illegal.”
A Government spokesperson said, “For the safety and security of the travelling public, the Ministry of Transport wishes to remind the public that unlike public service vehicles such as taxi cab services, private vehicles used for hire are unregulated, and as such, have the potential to put riders at risk.
“Due to the unregulated nature of private vehicles used for this purpose, they:
- Are not required to be maintained to public service vehicle safety standards;
- Do not have passenger insurance should there be in an accident; and
- Drivers do not undergo background checks.
“Furthermore, under section 26 [1] of the Motor Car Act 1951, the use of private vehicles for hire or reward is illegal.
“While the cost may be less expensive, when choosing public transportation options, members of the public are strongly advised to take into consideration the safety and security of themselves and their loved ones.
“To report the illegal use of private vehicles for hire or reward, please call 292-1271 and ask to speak with a Traffic Officer.”
If you are talking about the guys who hustle outside of supermarkets, tell us how many accidents there have been in 20 years. Why bother with this non issue now just like the electric bike issue. Silly and a waste of time. The Govt needs to stay focused.
I have to agree with this writer, can T.C.D, or the Minister of Transport please provide any accident reports caused by the Gypsy cabs in Bermuda, and we are already at an all time high in unemployment, so are we now ready to make more individuals unemployed and or unable to afford to live, and what alternative are you giving this individuals for their personal survival.
If persons in Bermuda used these gypsy cabs on a regular basis, this should tell you, that there are those amongst us, that find their services very convenient and affordable, not everyone in Bermuda can afford the rising cost of living, even when it comes to cab fares.
These drivers go out each day, and give an honest days work, for an honest days pay, just like T.C.D. wants to consider licensing electric bikes, that some feel should not be allowed, they haven’t decided to stop these folk from having them, so don’t stop the gypsy cabs from operating, Just simply factor them in to the system, already governed by the department of transport.
What a bunch of utter nonsense! Gov’ts way of making the poor even poorer! There is NO basis for this stupidity. We can’t even bring in used cars that are in excellent condition because of Gov’ts nasty policies, and therefore have to pay through the nose for cars. Same with this miserable sugar tax , A big revenue stream that will not do anything for anyone’s health. More control, more financial strangling and more “I don’t care about you, and that’s that!” I need therapy living in Bermuda with all this stress, Thanks again , politicians.
What about those people who hire out their cars for weddings?
Demand creates supply. Obviously the market is crying out for an alternative to taxis.
How is that any different than picking up a friend and taking them where they need to go
Money is involved. Money that is supposed to go to the guys that own government licenses.
Well then maybe the guys that own govt licenses should step up their game and compete with these guys who are out there hustling. Competition is a good thing! Lower your prices, be available, be less difficult to use. Beggars can’t be choosers these days. Compete or stay parked at home. And until then, people who use Gypsy cabs can just say they are giving their buddy gas money for a ride home. Simple really.
hahahahaha
Perhaps if you addressed the situation and allowed (regulated) Uber our people would not be forced to take gypsy cabs !
Transport Ministry clearly does not understand a lot of what is going on yet should! Many people cannot afford a car or bike nor reg taxi cab fares yet they rely on cabs to get to work – the buses are not reliable and dont service some areas at times needed, hence the explosion in gypsy cabs. Face facts and stop discriminating against Uber – treat them same as airbnb.
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The taxi service is utter crap. People are desperate for income.
Meh. Market forces.
As long as I can remember there have been *gypsy cabs* in town, it must be a slow regulation period to be going after half a dozen cars
Govt needs to stop dictating to us every little thing. People need to feed their families and if driving people around is what’s making it happen then let them. Its not that serious.
Whilst I hear all the ‘reasons’ why people are using these Gypsy cabs, the law is the law. Also remember, these vehicles are insured as Private vehicles, so any claims arising whilst working for profit will not be covered…this includes third party injuries. It only takes one bad accident to cause a serious problem.
Well perhaps we should crack down on people selling fish illegally also, North Shore inside the reef line is being devastated by unlicensed boats using chum bags left for hours at a time to make the job easier. The public docks are no longer public either.
Total waste of time they have to clean up their staff then they will be ok.
try doing something about the regular taxi drivers (worse drivers on the roads) the way they think they can just double park, or using the bird cage on front street as a round about. The gypsy cars are trying to make a dollar.
Or how about just doing something about the bus service ,, seems like you guys are not even bothered about that, or dont know how.