BTOA Opposes Minister’s Ride Share Proposal
The Bermuda Taxi Owner & Operators Association [BTOA] said they “stand resolute in its rejection of the proposal put forth by the Minister in the House of Assembly on Friday, March 15th, 2024, regarding the introduction of ride sharing services to Bermuda.”
A spokesperson said, “The BTOA vehemently opposes the introduction of ride-sharing services for several reasons:
“1. Use of Private Vehicles: Permitting ride-share permit use private vehicles sets a dangerous precedent, compromising passenger safety and bypassing regulatory upheld by legacy transportation options.
“2. Unregulated Ride-Share Permit Holders: The lack of regulation for ride-share permit holders poses significant risks to both passengers and the transportation industry as a whole, undermining the principles of safety and accountability.
“3. Barrier of Entry: Charging a mere $1,000 for ride share permits severely diminishes the value of legacy transportation options and creates an unfair playing field, ultimately harming the livelihoods of traditional transportation providers.
“4. Lack of Liability Insurance Requirement: The absence of a requirement for ride-share vehicles to carry liability insurance, as current transportation vehicles do, poses serious risks to passengers and the broader community.
“The BTOA is deeply disappointed by the Minister’s proposal, as it fails to address the concerns and priorities of the transportation industry. Furthermore, it disregards the legacy and contributions of traditional transportation providers who have long served the community with professionalism and dedication.”
Dennis Furbert, President of the Bermuda Taxi Owners & Operators Association, said, “We categorically deny agreement or acceptance of the Minister’s proposal.
“We are committed to pursuing alternative options that prioritize the interests of the transportation industry while upholding the values of safety, accountability, and fairness.”
The spokesperson said, “The BTOA emphasizes that discussions regarding the Minister’s proposal took place on the 14th of March 2024, and thorough consultation with its membership is imperative before any further decisions are made.”
Bermuda taxi services have been robbing the community for decades with overpriced rides and non existent customer service. Taxi’s are never available when you need one because all you care about are tourists so you park outside of every hotel. While the little old lady standing outside market place trying in vain to flag one of you down