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Taxi drivers meet with Cabinet ministers to discuss road repairs and airport security concerns during Wednesday’s meeting.
The Cabinet has confirmed that taxi operators will not be exempt from the new user-fee being imposed on all vehicles operating on the nation’s roads, following discussions with the United Taxi Association on Wednesday.
During the Cabinet meeting, the Head of the United Taxi Association and his Deputy sought clarification regarding payments to the Transport Board, believing they were exempt from the recently implemented fee.
Cabinet officials clarified that each vehicle is required to pay EC$100 per year, equivalent to $2.00 per week, with funds being directed to a separate account dedicated to repaying a $100 million bank loan for road repairs across Antigua and Barbuda.
The taxi representatives accepted the clarification and took the opportunity to highlight several roads leading to specific hotels that require urgent attention. Cabinet indicated its willingness to share these concerns with the Ministry of Works for further action.
Security concerns at V.C. Bird International Airport were also raised during the meeting, with the United Taxi Association expressing alarm over unauthorized drivers with “A” and “C” plates picking up and discharging passengers at the facility.
The taxi operators emphasized that this practice not only affects their income but also compromises visitor security, particularly for solo female travellers who rely on registered taxi services.
“Ensuring their greater security on their way to and from the V.C. Bird International Airport is critical to the success of tourism,” the United Taxi Association representatives told Cabinet members.
In response, Cabinet promised to collaborate with airport authorities to implement stricter controls on unauthorized transport operators.
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