Advisory Committee Moves to Reform Airport Ground Transportation

The Ground Transportation Advisory Committee has advanced a set of measures designed to address long-standing challenges in regulating ground transportation services at V.C. Bird International Airport.

At the top of the agenda is the urgent need to tackle “fly-by-night” operators who continue to unlawfully solicit passengers on arrival. Officials note that this practice not only undermines legitimate businesses but also creates risks to safety, order, and security.

Stakeholders further highlighted that poor coordination among taxi operators, the United Taxi Company (UTC), Destination Management Companies (DMCs), and the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority (ABAA) has resulted in inefficiencies and unfair competition within the system.

The Committee is therefore recommending a stronger enforcement framework, supported by closer collaboration between the police and the ABAA, to curb illegal activity.

Taxi operators outside the UTC network will be required to provide advance notification before collecting passengers, while the reintroduction of a structured dispatcher system at the airport, to be organized by the Ministry of Tourism, is expected to improve order and fairness.

Destination Management Companies will also face new obligations, including the payment of licensing fees, the introduction of an identification decal system for vehicles, and the need to regularize their status with the ABAA.

They will additionally contribute a premium or royalty payment to UTC for work taken outside of that company’s operations. On its part, the UTC is being urged to modernize by establishing an administrative office, introducing online bookings, and expanding its fleet with cars and SUVs to better meet passenger demand.

The discussions brought together a wide range of voices, including representatives of the Transport Board, Traffic Department, United Taxi Association, United Taxi Company, ABAA, Eagle Tours, the ABTB Inspection Centre, the Ministry of Tourism, the National Taxi Association, Destination Management Companies, and the Police Traffic Department.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Hubert Joseph of the Transport Board and supported by contributions from Inspector Carver Wilson of the Traffic Department, Mr. Ian Joseph of the United Taxi Association, UTC executives, and ABAA representatives, among others.

The Committee stressed that these proposals, once implemented, will enhance professionalism, improve coordination, and safeguard Antigua and Barbuda’s reputation as a premier tourism destination by ensuring that ground transportation at the nation’s gateway is safe, reliable, and well-regulated.