The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 300 drivers are participating in the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union’s partnership with a locally-developed ride-sharing platform, which aims to expand their income-earning opportunities by connecting them with customers beyond their traditional market.

Aqua Rides, which was developed by taxi driver Lamont Nixon, has developed a system that allows licensed taxi operators in New Providence to receive bookings through the app.

Tyrone Butler, the union's president, said the partnership represents an opportunity for Bahamian taxi drivers to generate additional income without having to depend solely on traditional sources of business.

He said the payment structure allows most of the money generated through bookings to go directly to drivers rather than being collected through a system that deducts substantial commissions.

“The goal is to provide an opportunity for the locals to generate their own income, and most of the payment goes directly,” said Mr Butler. “So, the payment is not going through a system or a fund. You collect after we take out fees”

Mr Nixon said Aqua Rides had been in operation for more than a year and is continuing to expand its features to improve the ride-sharing experience for both drivers and passengers. "It's basically The Bahamas' ride-sharing app," he said. “The whole idea was to connect drivers to their participants”

Mr Nixon added that the app has also created opportunities for taxi drivers to receive bookings from customers staying at Airbnb vacation rental properties and other accommodation outlets, rather than having to wait at hotels or airports for passengers.

The platform recently introduced credit card payments after operating on a cash-only basis for its first year, a change Mr Nixon said has helped increase its use among both tourists and Bahamian residents.

He said the app has received a positive response from the local market, including workers who use it to arrange transportation at night when they may have difficulty getting home.

Passengers can enter their destination and view an estimated fare before booking a ride, with prices based on the Government's regulated taxi rates. The app also accommodates the country's taxi fare structure, including an additional $5 charge for each passenger beyond the first two and $3 for each additional bag.

Mr Nixon said taxi drivers seeking to participate must provide their public service licence, updated insurance, details of a suitable public service vehicle and a photograph of themselves.

The platform also includes passenger safety features, such as the ability to share a ride's live location with family members and an SOS function that connects users with an operator and, depending on the severity of the situation, 911.

Mr Butler said participating drivers are vetted and held accountable for the quality of service they provide. He encouraged residents and visitors to download the app and use the platform as an alternative means of arranging transportation in New Providence.