TCD To Remain Open To Assist Taxi Operators
“To accommodate the required taxi meter calibration examination based on the new rate increase effective on Monday, 1 April, the Examination Section of the Transport Control Department [TCD] will remain open from Monday, 25 March, to Thursday, 28 March, for taxi services only between 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and for taxi services only on Saturday, 30 March, and Sunday, 31 March 2024 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm,” the government said,
A spokesperson said, “TCD will offer the meter calibration service at no additional charge to the taxi owner. Any taxi meter not calibrated during these extended hours and dates can be completed during regular business hours the following week.
“During this examination period, there will be an increase in taxis travelling the loop from Parsons Road, Frog Lane, Palmetto onto Marsh Folly Road, and then Dutton Avenue back to the facility.”
All this pandering to the TAXI Operators with a rate increase and this, while Burt and Furbert roll out a rideshare app that will destroy TAXI Drivers livelihoods. Your $100,000 licence is now worth $1000.
Taxi drivers pushed that permit value up to $100,000. Worth it or not is another matter but that is what people were willing to pay and permit holders were willing to sell for.
The nominal Government price used to be about $50,000.
The taxi drivers have not provided the service required for decades so the Government has finally stepped in with a, poorly thought through, plan to improve service.
This should dilute the taxis customer base. A customer base that they have not been servicing. Look no further than all of the complaints about the lack of availability when needed.
Theoretically this should drastically reduce the value of a taxi permit. We shall see. The top of the wave of taxi permit value has passed.
What gypsy cab drivers you know willing to pay $1000 for a permit, when they are already making money without being regulated? What would be the benefits for them to do it? Then you want them to pay for the ride share app, and a monthly fee for the subscription? Let’s see how this works out!!!
Nothing much said about gypsy cabs. They will carry on as they have for years, unlicensed and uninsured. No worries. No enforcement of even existing laws until the day comes when one is involved in a serious accident and the insurance company refuses payment of costs because the car is being used for commercial purposes and is uninsured for such purposes.