The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

Tribune Staff Reporter

rwells@tribunemedia.net

EXECUTIVES at Baha Mar have plans in place to “modernise the taxicab industry” and end the moratorium on taxi plates, sources at the Cable Beach mega resort revealed yesterday.

Baha Mar officials claimed that this initiative will not only modernise the taxicab system but, will work to increase confidence within the industry. The group said: “This push to modernise taxi cabs is a part of a multi-pronged approach that calls for improved efficiency at LPIA, Customs and Immigration and safety and security in beach and watersports activities. This proposal seeks to incentivise taxi cab franchise holders to comply with the Road Traffic laws and regulations. The intent is to improve the visitor experience. It seeks to create a cadre of professional transportation.

“This proposal to modernise the taxi cab service is not Baha Mar-specific. However, the opening of Baha Mar creates an opportunity for change and improving the visitor experience in The Bahamas tourism sector across the board,” added executives.

According to a proposal seen by The Tribune the initiative will foster collaboration between not only government and private agencies, but will structure relationships between financial institutions, insurance companies and resorts, resulting in incentives for present and new taxi-drivers.

The $3.5 bilion resort is on track to open its doors to guests at the end of March.

Officials said their initiative will end the moratorium by allowing the incorporation of 200-250 new licences in the industry. The group believes that these new licences will push a new franchise approach with in the industry. The new system will also have a number of positive features for drivers, including improved rest and recreational facilities at major hotels and resorts in the country.

“With the opening of the Baha Mar resort, in excess of 400,000 more visitors are expected to visit New Providence each year, signalling a new day in The Bahamas’ tourism sector,” executives said. “The new Downtown development project in conjunction with the purchase of the British Colonial Hilton is another project that should generate economic activity that the taxi franchise holders can benefit from.”

They added that the experience visitors to The Bahamas receives begins and ends with service personnel like taxi drivers. “There is an opportunity to improve the visitor’s experience,” they said. “We see the modernisation taking place incrementally. What would be good is to have some early adopters who work from the airport, Downtown, Prince George Dock and Cable Beach. It would really improve the tourism product in key areas. We do believe that franchise holders want to see a transformation of their industry and want to be a part of this movement to improve the tourism product.”

The proposal is to be put to the Road Traffic department for its consideration.