Taxi drivers threaten strike

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

Two of Jamaica’s major taxi associations are threatening to strike as they call for an urgent meeting with Transport Minister Dr. Omar Davies.

Executive members of the Route Taxi Association of Jamaica (RTAJ) and the National Council of Taxi Associations today met to discuss changes which are to be implemented by the Transport Authority.

The President of the RTAJ, Sophia Campbell, says operators are upset about plans by the Authority make changes to the routes which they can use.

Campbell says taxi operators are also concerned that taxi drivers and conductors will be required to wear badges effective Monday, February 13.

According to her, these changes are being implemented without consultation with taxi operators or their associations.

In a statement last week the Transport Authority said it had scheduled a series of meetings with transport association but there was a lack of participation by some associations.

The Authority said the mandatory wearing of badges is a requirement as prescribed under the Road Traffic Regulations.

rasbert.turner@gleanerjm.com