By Latonya Roberts Guardian Staff Reporter,Torrell Glinton

Copyright thenassauguardian

The Ministry of Energy and Transport has pledged to address concerns raised by the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union (BTCU) after its president said the union was prepared to take action in order to be taken seriously.

On Monday, BTCU President Tyrone Butler described recent meetings with the ministry and Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) as unproductive.

Butler alleged that union members are being pushed out or overlooked in areas reserved for taxis, including the airport and hotels, in favor of livery drivers.

But the ministry said it is dedicated to working collaboratively with the taxi cab and livery unions to achieve a fair solution, acknowledging that both taxi and livery drivers represent Bahamian families striving to earn an honest living.

“To support this approach, we have increased the number of road traffic supervisors stationed at ports throughout New Providence,” the ministry said.

“Further, just two weeks ago, the ministry joined representatives from Nassau Airport Development, the Airport Authority, Road Traffic Department (RTD), and both unions for an onsite review of airport operations, aiming to identify challenges and areas that need enhancement.

“To be clear, the ministry continues to appreciate the concerns of both unions; however, it is important to note that livery services have operated at the airport for over two decades. During this time, the transportation sector’s growth has led to the need for adjustments, some of which require legislative action.

“As such, improving airport operations including clearly identifying zones for taxis and other livery vehicles remains a priority. However, any significant, long-term improvements will be fully realized only after the airport’s upcoming re-design.”

Despite the taxi cab union’s claims of being ignored, the ministry said, “It is important to note that the Ministry of Energy and Transport continues to maintain an open and cordial communication with both unions.

“As the ministry’s mandate covers both sectors, we emphasize that we are committed to remaining impartial and fair.

“Further, when violations occur and are reported to the RTD, we maintain that we are ready to take the necessary corrective measures.”

The ministry proposed that livery vehicles be relocated to the lanes opposite their current location at Lynden Pindling International Airport to eliminate congestion, as they currently share the same lane as taxis.

It also proposed that the taxi service area be made more prominent with the addition of a dedicated taxi stand and a pillar painted in taxi colors, allowing tourists to easily locate taxi services as they exit arrivals.

The ministry said that the livery union has asked for clear guidelines and a formal written policy to resolve its ongoing uncertainty.

“In response, the ministry has sought legal guidance and advice from the Office of the Attorney General,” it said.

“In the interim, we will continue to dialogue with President Tory Austin on other matters and suggested sector enhancements.”

The ministry also said it “remains committed to working with all stakeholders in the interest of achieving a fair solution”.