NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Minister of Energy and Transport the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis said the Government, the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association and the Bahamas Taxicab Union have come together to successfully conclude talks to increase taxicab fares and create a Code of Conduct for taxicab drivers.

“The Government of The Bahamas has granted a fare increase of 10 per cent.  The fares for New Providence have been gazetted and the fares for the Family Islands are currently being completed,” the Transport Minister said during a press conference to make the announcement at Baha Mar on Friday, April 5, 2024.

She said 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.”

The Minister also announced that a “Rate Your Ride” app will soon be introduced to provide feedback and ensure a high level of service delivery to help improve the industry.

Also attending the press conference were Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association President and Senior Vice-President of Baha Mar, Robert Sands; The Bahamas Taxicab Union President, Wesley Ferguson; and Road Traffic Authority, Chairman, Lancia Darville.

Mr. Ferguson said this shows the commitment to revitalizing the taxi industry in the country.

He said the union asked the Minister to release taxi drivers from leasing taxi plates, to increase taxi fares especially after they suffered as a result of COVID-19, and to re-introduce some law and order into the industry.

Mr. Sands said the results of discussions are a definitive progressive step towards an overarching aim of providing visitors and citizens with the best positive experience while taking a “journey with taxi professionals."
The Minister and Mr. Ferguson signed the Code of Conduct, which the Minister said has been reviewed and accepted as the official Code of Conduct for the industry.

A press conference to announce the successful discussions between the Government, the Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association and the Bahamas Taxicab Union to increase taxi cab fares and create a Code of Conduct for taxicab drivers.  Attending the press conference were: Minister of Energy and Transport, the Hon. JoBeth Coleby-Davis; Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association President and Senior Vice-President of Baha Mar, Robert Sands; The Bahamas Taxicab Union President, Wesley Ferguson and Road Traffic Authority, Chairman, Lancia Darville.  

(BIS Photos/Anthon Thompson)