The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Taxicab Union's president yesterday said branded its partnership with a transportation-based mobile app as the "perfect mix", suggesting it will help modernise the industry.

Philip Watkins, speaking at a press conference to announce the union's partnership with Bahamas Ride, said: "This is a perfect mix. It will cut down on the down time with the drivers, and the system will ensure a quicker response. In addition we hope that the dead spots will be eliminated."

He told Tribune Business: "We operated a 24-hour operator system for more than 50 years, and that system was discontinued in 2015. What happened was the money from the drivers, which was $20 a week, is what was paying the operation. We needed three operators for 24-hour services and we also needed a relief operator.

"Due to the fact that drivers were using cell phones and other devices, there was insufficient funds to pay for the service. The union had to end up covering most of the cost and we had to ultimately close that down. With Bahamas Ride you can see right from your app where the driver is located."

Gavin Christie, Bahamas Ride's president, said the on-demand taxi service, which will launch on April 12, will ensure less driver down time, vetted drivers, and a driver rating system while allowing for all forms of payment. He added that the service was targeting locals as well as visitors.

The service is expected to roll-out on New Providence first, before heading to Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Abaco, Exuma and, ultimately, any island that needs it. Mr Christie said Bahamas Ride was designed to complement, not compete, with the taxi industry.

Mobile operator, Aliv, is Bahamas Ride's telecommunications partner. ALIV will create special packages for taxi drivers, which will include a smartphone with battery charger and dashboard holder, in-car Wi-Fi solution and unlimited access to the Bahamas Ride App.