New Policy Framework to Enhance Tourism's Taxi Sub-sector

Contact: Tesa St. Ange

Thursday, September 14, 2000 - The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation has introduced new guidelines aimed at regulating the tourism industry’s vital taxi sub-sector. The new guidelines are captured in a new policy document entitled Minimum Standards for the Tourism Transportation Sector.

The new taxi policy is the culmination of a process that began in 1995, with a study conducted by the Organisation of American States on the tourist transportation system in St. Lucia. Following this, a Tourism Transportation Advisory Committee was established to develop a strategic plan aimed at reorganizing and regulating the taxi sub-sector. Throughout the consultation process, the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation worked closely with the Ministry of Communications, Works, Transport & Public Utilities, taxi driver organizations, ground handlers and other tourism industry stakeholders to develop a strategic plan aimed at reorganizing and regulating the sector. The Ministry’s response to the work of the Advisory Committee is contained in this new policy.

According to Phyllis Regis, Director of Product Development in the Ministry of Tourism, the new guidelines mark a significant step towards ensuring that St. Lucia’s tourism taxi sub-sector remains on the leading edge of global competitiveness. Taxi drivers’ ability to provide safe and reliable service is a key element in the success of the tourism industry. The new policy will provide the necessary framework to ensure that national taxi standards are upheld, thus enhancing St. Lucia’s tourism product.

Specifically, the policy calls for the introduction of national minimum standards within the taxi sector and the creation of a Disciplinary Committee composed of private and public sector persons involved with the taxi sub-sector charged with the task of ensuring adherence to these minimum standards. The Ministry of Tourism is also working closely with the Transport Board to establish regularized national taxi rates. This, it is hoped will alleviate problems of undercharging or overcharging of customers.

In addition, taxi drivers will be required to complete a National Licensing and Certification Programme, which is modeled on Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) training, programme. The programme focuses on three key training areas: customer relations, road safety and product knowledge. Upon completion of the programme, taxi drivers who meet the minimum standards will be issued a taxi permit, identification card, vehicle decal and a special vehicle license plate. Only licensed taxi drivers will be authorized to provide taxi services to tourists. Signs will be posted at all airports and seaports informing visitors of the new authorized taxi system. It is expected that all authorized taxi drivers will receive their license plates by the end of this month.

The Ministry of Tourism has also announced another programme to aid taxi drivers and to improve service quality in the taxi sub-sector. Taxi drivers who have successfully completed the Ministry’s Licensing and Certification Programme will now be eligible for concessions to upgrade their taxis. Under the new measures, new vehicles five years or older and used or reconditioned vehicles three years or older will be eligible for replacement.

Qualifying taxis must meet certain requirements before being deemed eligible. Specifically, the vehicle to be imported must be used solely as a taxi once in St. Lucia and must meet the minimum standards for tourism taxis as prescribed by the Ministries of Tourism and Transportation. Taxis bought under these concessions may be sold five years after the purchase date to any authorized tourism taxi driver. It is expected that over one thousand taxi drivers stand to benefit from these concessions.

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