OBA’s Robinson On Rideshare, Taxis & More
Shadow Transport Minister Dwayne Robinson said the OBA supports modernising Bermuda’s transport system however “to attempt to introduce a new wave of transportation without properly enforcing our current one is skipping over the real issue.
Mr. Robinson said, “The One Bermuda Alliance is supportive of the modernisation of our transport system. It is without a doubt the biggest source of concern for our locals, tourists, and hotels alike.
“However, to attempt to introduce a new wave of transportation without properly enforcing our current one is skipping over the real issue.
“The real problem is accountability and enforcement for our service providers and those meant to regulate them.
“The Minister has not provided concrete answers on TCD’s ability to properly regulate the potential rideshare drivers or his plan to ensure that proper enforcement occurs.
“We still do not have all 600 taxis on the road or enforcement of the16 hours a day requirement which means the current industry is not operating at full capacity. How can we properly measure supply and demand without getting our current system to function optimally?
“How can the public have faith that the rideshare drivers will not fall into the same bad habits without seeing any regulations?
“This makes the rideshare legislation seem more like the easy way out by simply adding more cars into a system that is already poorly regulated, or even worse a strong-arming tactic towards taxi drivers, rather than an actual method to improve transportation in Bermuda.
“The One Bermuda Alliance is open to the consideration of any modernisation that improves the experience for customers and properly supports the service providers. We do not support band-aid fixes but instead opt for systemic ones.
“The Minister has not addressed the concerns of the dispatch companies who claim illegal dispatching and unregulated dispatching services, another structural issue that will remain within the industry. Rideshare drivers will be required to operate through dispatching companies, but we still have gypsy cabs, so rideshare will not be the magic pill.
“The introduction of this legislation does not make taxi operators disappear. Where is the plan to assist them in improving their service to the public and the weeding out of potential bad apples through a robust enforcement regime?
“The Government finds itself with no shortage of funds, so there is no reason TCD cannot see its traffic officer numbers and resources bolstered.
“If this is the direction the Minister wishes to take, he should showcase the work he has done with the taxi operators to improve their service, rather than giving ultimatums in the press.
“I am keenly aware that there is a level of dissatisfaction in our community with the taxi service, and I am not making any excuses for that or any poorly performing taxi drivers.
“However, there is a right and a wrond way to implement a new system. Accusations of refusing to meet with the primary service providers, the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association, refusing input from them, and not responding to their requests to make improvements to their industry is the wrong way. The taxi industry services 87% of our visitors, so let’s apply changes that affect the majority first.”
