UTC President Clarifies Airport Taxi Rules Amid Public Concerns

Published
Minister Fernandez Moves to Protect Licensed Taxi Operators as Government Tightens Airport Enforcement
Ian Joseph, President of the United Taxi Company

Ian Joseph, President of the United Taxi Company (UTC), has sought to clarify the situation following a growing public debate over recent proposals to regulate ground transportation services at the V.C. Bird International Airport.

Joseph assured residents that the measures under discussion will not restrict relatives from collecting friends and family at the airport, emphasizing that concerns circulating in the community are based on “a misunderstanding.”

“We are trying to bring transportation at the airport under control,” Joseph explained in an interview with Antigua.news. “I want the public to know that there will never be restrictions on families picking up loved ones. What we are targeting are individuals who are not authorized to operate taxi services but come to the airport to collect passengers for money.”

Earlier this week, UTC joined other transportation stakeholders in a meeting with the Attorney General to address the longstanding issue of illegal “fly-by-night” taxi operators. At that session, several recommendations were put forward, including a vehicle sticker system, the payment of premiums and royalties to UTC for trips carried out by non-members, and stricter monitoring.

While some of the proposals sparked criticism from residents who dismissed them as unreasonable, Joseph insisted that the aim is to improve order, fairness, and security at the airport — not to inconvenience the traveling public.

This story was first published by Antigua News on October 3, 2025: antigua.news/2025/10/03/utc-president-clarifies-airport-taxi-rules-amid-public-concerns. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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Cory Wayland

About the author

Cory Wayland is the Social Media Co-ordinator at Antigua.News, where he manages digital content strategy, audience engagement, and real-time news publications across social platforms. With a keen eye for trending topics and a commitment to factual storytelling, Cory plays a key role in shaping the online voice of Antigua.News.

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Comments (8)

  • Listening Post October 3, 2025, 7:45 AM

    Wow is all I will say..
    Reply
  • Lena October 3, 2025, 11:22 AM

    I mean that’s only fair, authorized taxi members would pay to operate at the airport I assume. This should be for everyone.
    Reply
    • Nyahrie October 3, 2025, 6:13 PM

      No matter what you say…I see wickedness all around
      Reply
  • Anonymous October 3, 2025, 12:33 PM

    L
    Reply
  • Informed citizen October 3, 2025, 3:41 PM

    Hope this ends the confusion and puts everyone on the same page.
    Reply
  • Apex Jones October 3, 2025, 3:53 PM

    They could never be crazy enough to prevent people from picking up their family and friends from the airport.
    Ian just move ah u backside
    Reply
  • Lonette October 3, 2025, 4:41 PM

    That is understandable by Ian,right now any regular driver just comes to the airport and claims they’re a taxi
    Reply
  • Nicka October 4, 2025, 3:24 PM

    These people are just trouble designers
    Reply

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