Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer has said that a Public Transportation Dispatching Unit and a review of the Taxi Tariff is underway to support the highest standards of service to visitors and the travelling public.

Honourable Rymer said the unit will be responsible for organising the movement of people to and from all ports of entry, while ensuring that an equitable earning mechanism is in place between Taxi and Livery Operators.

Honourable Rymer said, “The official Taxi Tariff took effect on November 26, 2010; marking twelve years since the last official review.  The Virgin Islands has developed, and we must consider the rise in the cost of living over the last decade, as well as developed areas that are not in the existing tariff.”

The minister said that in an effort to remedy the challenge of Port Security often doubling as Taxi Dispatchers at the ports, the commission proposes developing a Public Transportation Dispatching Unit to alleviate these issues. 

“The commission is responsible for educating and training the dispatchers so that all individuals would be knowledgeable in the Taxi-Cab regulations,” the minister said.

Honourable Rymer in conjunction with the Taxi and Livery Commission, is inviting all public transport operators, and stakeholders of the Transportation-for-Hire Industry to a meeting on Monday, October 31 at 5:00 p.m. at the Tortola conference room, Maria’s by the Sea Hotel.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Taxi Tariff Review and the Public Transport Dispatcher Unit. For questions or concerns, persons may telephone 496-6835.