NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of Energy and Transport the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said this government administration is committed to leaving the taxi sector in a better condition.

“To achieve this goal, we believe that collaboration, consultation, and firm action must guide our approach. A growing and developing Bahamas requires a strong public transportation industry,” the Minister said during a town hall meeting for taxicab drivers in collaboration with The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association and the Bahamas Taxicab Union at Baha Mar on Thursday, May 2, 2024.

She said, “I am grateful to The Bahamas Taxicab Union and The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association in drafting and implementing the Code of Conduct for Taxi Operators and the Public Service Drivers.”

The Transport Minister explained that the Code of Conduct will assist in providing a concrete and defined framework for the service standards. The standards outlined in the Code of Conduct are not unreasonable, onerous, or difficult conditions.

She also shared some of the steps that we have taken so far and that are currently underway for the taxi cab industry in The Bahamas.

“The Government of The Bahamas has granted a fare increase for the industry. The fares for New Providence have been gazetted and the fares for the Family Islands are being finalized with the Law Reform and Review Commission.

The Transport Minister said, “We believe that the introduction of the Rate your Ride app will assist in moving the industry.

“The taxi industry is necessary to ensure a high level of service is delivered. The app will also serve as a mechanism to reward our taxi drivers who consistently deliver excellent customer service.”

She noted that as Minister of Energy and Transport, she is delighted to have partnered with the union President and the Hotel Tourism and Association to continue to partner together to improve the industry.

President, The Bahamas Taxicab Union, Wesley Ferguson; President, The Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association, Robert “Sandy” Sands; and Chairman, Bahamas Development Bank, Sen. the Hon. Quinton Lightbourne were also in attendance at the event.

Minister of Energy and Transport the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis (pictured at the microphone) attended a town hall meeting for taxicab drivers in collaboration with The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association and the Bahamas Taxicab Union at Baha Mar on Thursday, May 2, 2024.  Other officials from the Ministry of Energy and Transport and stakeholders from The Bahamas Taxicab Union, and The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association attended the event along with interested taxicab drivers.

  (BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)