Following close collaboration between the Ministry of Communication and Works and the Taxi and Livery Commission, the two entities have devised new criteria that will be coming on stream soon for the issuing of taxi permits in the BVI.
Speaking on the initiative during a recent session of the House of Assembly, Minister for Communication and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer said it is geared at enhancing “transparency, fairness, efficiency and quality in the taxicab industry in the Virgin Islands.”
The newly developed “Criteria for Approving Taxi Permit Applications” will guide the approval of new and renewal applications. These criteria include holding a valid Virgin Islands Driver’s License, possessing a police certificate demonstrating a clean criminal record, obtaining a certificate of medical fitness, completing a training course conducted by the BVI Tourist Board, and demonstrating knowledge of local roads.
Once these criteria are met, Rymer noted that the applicant must further satisfy the licensing officer regarding adequate road knowledge, fitness to hold a taxi license, and the applicant must possess a valid trade license enabling them to engage in taxi operations.
The minister recommended the approval of a maximum of 23 taxi permits annually, with representation from each district in the territory.
“These criteria will be submitted to Cabinet for review and approval,” Rymer stated.
The minister said the newly proposed criteria aim to establish a standardized and efficient procedure, outlining precise requirements and reducing the waiting period for a response to an application. To ensure safer and more secure taxi services, Rymer noted that aspiring taxi operators will be subject to rigorous background checks, including criminal records, driving record evaluations, and proof of medical fitness.
“These checks will provide our citizens and visitors with safer, more secure taxi services,” Minister Rymer emphasized.
Addressing the issue of limited taxi permit availability, the minister acknowledged the current presence of 708 active taxi licenses in the Virgin Islands. He said to prevent oversaturation of the industry and foster fair competition and innovation, a reasonable cap on the number of taxi permits issued must be set.
“This will foster a healthy market environment where drivers are motivated to provide excellent service, and passengers have access to a variety of options,” Rymer stated.
In pursuit of maintaining a well-functioning taxi industry, Minister Rymer highlighted the crucial aspect of accountability. The establishment of a responsive regulatory body within the Taxi and Livery Commission is proposed to handle complaints, investigate reports of misconduct, and take appropriate action against drivers who violate rules.
He said, “Transparent reporting mechanisms are already in place to ensure that the public is aware of the steps being taken to address any issues emerging within the industry. The Taxi and Livery Commission will continue to enhance the taxi industry in its functions as the regulatory unit within the ministry.”
Rymer also proposed the introduction of performance-based standards for issuing taxi permits. He said clear benchmarks, including factors such as customer satisfaction ratings, adherence to traffic rules, and vehicle maintenance records, will be established to ensure continued high standards of service.