Minister Expands On Rideshare Programme Plan
“The introduction of Ridesharing is a promise made and a promise on which are actively delivering. This is the long-awaited response to the challenges of transportation availability during specific periods, most notably evenings, weekends, and holidays,” said the Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert.
Minister Furbert added, “Tourism stakeholders have reported that the number one complaint of our visitors relates to transportation and their ability to move around the Island, particularly in the evenings and weekends. The 2019 Transport Green Paper recognised the consistent and ongoing gaps in providing adequate transportation during these hours. Since 2019, we have had numerous meetings with our industry partners.
“The overwhelming and consistent refrain in our discussions was that we need more transportation options, and they must be available 24/7. The introduction of the Rideshare initiative is intended to bring more transportation options to customers when they need it most.
“Ridesharing uses a mobile app so that passengers can request a ride at their convenience, track the operator’s arrival, and make cashless payments. The rideshare permit will mean that permit holders can only be dispatched through several Bermuda-based online dispatch platforms, ensuring a controlled and orderly ridesharing service.”
Minister Furbert continued, “This is new to Bermuda and can only be tested in real time. With 150 permits to be made available, a one-year pilot programme will give us the opportunity to determine what works best, collect necessary data, and build on the programme to the benefit of the public. This initiative does require legislation and when the House returns in May, that will be among our priorities.”
A Government spokesperson said, “Some additional highlights of Ridesharing in Bermuda are as follows:
- “Requiring a rideshare operator to secure a public service vehicle license means that the public can be assured that the operator has been vetted and is suitable to be engaged in public transport. To apply for a public service vehicle, license the process is set out at www.tcd.bm and all interested persons should consult the website.
- “This is a seasonal service and as such the license fee of $1,000 is an equitable cost for the entrepreneur seeking to enter this new market.
- “Operates daily from April 1 – September 30, and only on weekends and holidays the rest of the year.
- “Participating insurance companies have agreed to collaborate with the Ministry to establish a practical approach to coverage to also ensure maximum safety for the travelling public.”
Minister Furbert concluded, “These issues are not new, but technology is providing an opportunity to address them. In the last 20 years, we have seen dedicated hotel shuttles, increased ‘gypsy cabs’ and rapid growth in the minibus sector, all developing to meet the need to move people. There can be no doubt that the demand exists, and we are committed to working with all of those who provide transport service to the public to eliminate that number one complaint of visitors relating to transport.”
Who will profit from the use of the app please?
An excellent question.
Why do you always make silly comments like a child? The drivers profit and the customers profit because we will actually be able to get a cab instead of taxi’s just parking up outside the airport and hotels. You know this but still will make your dumb comments
Sounds like you don’t understand how the fee for the app per ride works.
lmao you might wanna go back to school bra oh boy
What app is being used, who owns it and who’s family benefits from it? Was an RFP put out there, because I didn’t see one? Full Transparency. The taxi Drivers need to know who is scraping their industry and devaluing the saleable taxi licence value to a negligable amount.
It helps to have a functioning website when making a statement about where the only information available is supposedly listed.
Where was the RFP for the App? How many applications were made or is this another ResQuest cover up, aka Hitch? BTO should be able to assist since they will be forced to use it.
No one. More BS from Flipflop & PLP
THIS IS JUST THE FIRST STEP TO THE INTRODUCTION OF UBER IN THE ISLAND OF BERMUDA.
THAT’S WHY IT IS BEING CLASSIFIED AS A TEST RUN.
UBER won’t be here, they take too big a cut, Certain elite PLP cornered the market on legally allowed transport Apps. Unfortunately they decided to profit their own personal pockets instead of helping generate income for the Government funds to help generate monies to pay off the debt. Currently we cant really afford the interest without cutting services like road maintenance for many years. I’m surprised the Peoples campaign haven’t marched on parliament over HITCH and this rideshare. Where is the hunger strike?
Ronald,
The PLP Government is soft peddling it so as not to upset taxi drivers (like you) and other transportation providers. But you are correct. This is only the beginning.
Priority number one with the PLP, don’t upset the core voting base.
Oh sure, a few, a very few taxi drivers will swing vote. Some will abstain from voting. But the majority will obediently vote green yet again. They will vote for the very people responsible for the loss of so many hotel beds, and hence business for taxis.
They will also provide free transportation to the polls for people they think will also vote green.
Not the brightest lights on the Christmas tree.