Taxi drivers cry foul over alleged unfair practices @ Pier Park
One long-time driver, speaking to our news centre on condition of anonymity on behalf of other drivers, complained that persons who are ‘connected’ are taking advantage of the line system to hijack the queue.
Line system 'hijacked'
“One of the things happening, we have a line system out there… there’s a particulate guy, he has a set of buses, and what he is doing, he double dipping,” the taxi driver complained.
The driver detailed that these connected persons are not adhering to the line system, have multiple vehicles, and even employ persons to hold a space in the line when they are out for work.
He said as a result, drivers are losing revenue as complaints have already been made to no avail.
“If you get a turn, you should represent your turn… something isn’t right, some money or something passing under the table, I can’t directly say, but something isn’t right,” they said.
The driver related that the system has about 20-30 persons cutting the system with the TPP security and management allegedly turning a blind eye. It is also being reported that those who speak out against the system are being targeted.
It is unclear how exactly anyone is being targeted.
Drivers want 'fair' system - Taxi Driver
VINO reached out to Cyril B. Romney Pier Park officials this morning, November 14, 2023, and was told that the matter would be one for the Park’s Customer Service Personnel, who were both unavailable at the time.
The marketing staff added; however, that some taxi agents are given priority.
Meanwhile, the taxi driver, speaking on behalf of those affected, added that by bringing the issues to the media, there is a hope that investigations will be made to ensure the correct system is being adhered to.
The driver detailed, “We want to see fairness, and everyone can represent themselves… if you don’t represent yourself, you don’t have a turn.”
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33 Responses to “Taxi drivers cry foul over alleged unfair practices @ Pier Park”
Really? What is he made of? Dust?
GREEDY MINDSET.
The majority of taxi drivers by nature are greedy, but among them are some that are extremely greedy. Taxi drivers have not the discipline of mind to regulate a fair system of tourist sharing at Cyril Romney Cruise Ship Port. Our government is charged with the tasks to regulate a fair, and hopefully satisfying system to satisfy the need of all taxi drivers that do business at the Cruise Ship Pier, but is our political leaders willing to take on this needful challenge, only one of many that has stunned our Spiritual, physical, and mental wellbeing of the people of the BVI, and those that visit the BVI year to year?
Licence Uber and improve public transport.
The more they get the more they want, their lives will conclude with a shitty end despite all the money they unfairly accumulate, KMFT.
I would love to know how much payroll tax these taxi drivers pay though! How about SS & NHI?
How many licensed taxi drivers/operators in the BVI? How many operate at the Pier Park? Are there too many at the Pier ParK for profitably? Should there a limit on the number of taxi drivers in the BVI? Does the tour operator have a vertical operation, ie, they control and coordinate the tourist ships, ground transportation, marine transportation, tours, entertainment, lunch, etc?
In short, the taxi industry benefits no-one except the drivers themselves. They do not serve this community, they only serve themselves. Root and branch reform of this sector is long overdue.