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Taxi Operators Push for Tighter Controls at VC Bird International Airport

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Taxi Operators Push for Tighter Controls at VC Bird International Airport

Taxi operators at VC Bird International Airport are set to meet today, Wednesday, to discuss an eight-point proposal aimed at resolving a long-standing impasse over airport pickups.

The meeting follows the formation of a special committee by Attorney General Sir Steadroy Benjamin, who met earlier this week with executives of the United Taxi Company (UTC) to hear their concerns.

UTC President Ian Joseph confirmed that the company submitted a detailed proposal to the Attorney General on Monday, calling for stricter enforcement of airport regulations. The taxi operators maintain that private drivers are operating illegally at the airport, undermining both safety standards and the livelihoods of licensed operators.

Among the recommendations now under review are:
•⁠ ⁠Stronger police action against unauthorized drivers.
•⁠ ⁠Separate licensing fees for airport-based operators.
•⁠ ⁠A royalty program for the United Taxi Company.
•⁠ ⁠Introduction of a dispatch system to better organize pickups.

Joseph welcomed the government’s move to establish the committee, noting that it marks a step toward compromise after weeks of tension.

“These measures are not about exclusion, but about ensuring order, fairness, and accountability at the airport,” Joseph said.

The Attorney General is expected to take the proposals before Cabinet for further discussion and possible approval in the coming days.

This story was first published by Antigua News on October 1, 2025: antigua.news/2025/10/01/taxi-operators-push-for-tighter-controls-at-vc-bird-international-airport. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (16)

  • Rather Walk than catch a Taxi October 1, 2025, 7:01 AM

    These Taxi drivers are presently annoying the hell out of me with their ridiculous arguments. The taxi market is saturated its called competition deal with or find a new industry to operate in. Innovation is the key to gain a competitive advantage. Offer some sort of incentive for passengers to wish to book with you instead of innovating badmind in 2025.
    Reply

    • Taking Care Of My Own Business October 1, 2025, 7:59 AM

      It’s Amazing how Antiguans love to jump all over things when they are not the ones affected. How would any of you like if you were were in the Taxi Drivers Shoes? Bunch Ah Selfish People. If It’s Not Me & It Benefits Me, To Hell With Everyone Else. Any Wonder This Twin Island State Is In The State It’s In. Now Politicians & Their Cronies Are Trying To Stick Their Dirty Hands In This Industry Too. They In Hotel, Heavy Duty Equipment, DMC Companies, Water Trucking, Backhoe & Escavator Rentals, Dredging Companies, Housing Projects, Land Sales; and the List is Endless. Now Tell Me What’s Left For The Ordinary Man & Woman in this country, whilst we have to pay through our Battom to make ends meet whilst they pay for NOTHING. I FOR ONE WILL NOT SIT BACK & ALL ANYONE TO ENCROACH ON MY LIVELIHOOD
      Reply

  • Sean grell October 1, 2025, 8:45 AM

    I understand the concern. But these taxi operators wanna hold people at hostage. If I come to the island who can tell me who should pick me up? If my family operates a taxi and are not part of the association who the hell can tell them don’t come airport and collect me? Black people. Enslaved in their minds.
    Reply

    • Smh October 1, 2025, 10:29 AM

      Exactly, it’s ridiculous
      Reply

  • Avandelle Vidal October 1, 2025, 10:02 AM

    Government always talking, let’s see action this time. We hearing about committee every minute
    Reply

  • Anonymous October 1, 2025, 10:14 AM

    UTC right… man can’t just roll up and tek work from licensed taxi. Police need fuh clamp down hard
    Reply

  • SMH October 1, 2025, 10:27 AM

    They can’t tell people who to go with, they are too greedy. People travel with whomever they like, it’s their money…….. Even when boat come, they be annoying the tourist. Let these people be comfortable and not pressured, they have their rights to choose who they want to go with. These taxi have 2-3 buses with others driving or they call their friends for the work. They need to stop being greedy because they can’t carry everyone!
    Reply

  • Apex Jones October 1, 2025, 10:36 AM

    Like is dem alone that have to eat. Anyway they cannot prevent me from picking my people up from the airport
    Reply

  • Ashley October 1, 2025, 11:17 AM

    UTC always crying down private drivers but half time dem prices too high. People just looking for affordable ride.
    Reply

  • Reina October 1, 2025, 11:33 AM

    So what happen, only UTC must eat? Other man can’t hustle? Not everybody can get inna UTC
    Reply

  • Nahman October 1, 2025, 6:48 PM

    I believe there should be some organisayion but the taxi people are a bit too drastic.
    Reply

  • Ben Simmons October 1, 2025, 7:38 PM

    Taxi drivers deserve fairness, but ah hope dem no overcharge people when dem finally get control
    Reply

  • Ivor Biggun October 1, 2025, 9:50 PM

    I hope that the standard fare structure is clearly posted for all of the travelling public to see. Many times I have been put into a bus with 8 passengers by the dispatcher and been expected to pay the full single passenger fare at my destination. Is this really how it works. Drivers are making a killing! Dispatchers should provide each taxi passenger with a ticket clearly stating the standard fare for their destination so that there is no confusion. Enforce the law, but enforce ALL the laws. Thanks a lot.
    Reply

  • Informed citizen October 1, 2025, 10:20 PM

    Competition is good, but it has to be regulated. If anyone can just pick up passengers at the airport, then why even bother being a licensed taxi?
    Reply

  • Ezra October 2, 2025, 6:18 PM

    But me hope dem put system in place that make it easier for passengers too. Sometimes you wait long, long.
    Reply

  • Speak the Truth October 4, 2025, 2:10 PM

    While it’s understandable to have concerns about private taxis at the airport, the solution shouldn’t be to restrict them entirely. Many of these drivers are licensed taxi operators who face barriers to joining the association. Instead, let’s find a way to integrate them properly, ensuring safety standards and fair opportunities for all. Working together can lead to a more organized and fair system for everyone involved.
    Reply

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