The Tribune

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Baha Mar’s aim in “raising the product and profile” of the taxi cab industry is to ensure it reflects the major tourism-related investments and upgrades in New Providence, a senior executive said yesterday.

Robert Sands, the developer’s senior vice-president of government and public affairs, said it was in “advanced discussions” with the Ministry of Transport and Bahamas Taxi Cab Union over an initiative that aims to modernise the industry’s vehicle fleet, image and operations.

Besides enabling the franchise and cab owners to “realise savings” via the import duty concessions already in place, Mr Sands said Baha Mar’s proposal aimed to bring the Bahamian taxi industry in line with the Bahamas’ ‘five star’ tourism image.

“The whole purpose is to work collaboratively with the stakeholders to see if we can’t raise the product and profile of the taxi cab industry,” Mr Sands told Tribune Business. “That’s the purpose of the meetings we’ve been having, and we’re in advanced discussions with the stakeholders.

“The Bahamas is raising its profile as a tourism destination. It’s made significant investments in infrastructure, such as the airport and the roads. Individual hotels have made significant investments. Baha Mar, which is coming online on March 27, is $3.5 billion.

“It only makes sense that a key element of tourism in the country, the taxi drivers, raise their product and profile.”

In other words, the Bahamian taxi cab industry’s standards and image need to be brought into line with the tourism product that this nation is selling.

Taxi cabs, and their drivers, will be among the first and last impressions that many visitors will have of the Bahamas, making it vital that the experiences and interaction are positive.

Tribune Business understands that the proposal involves the upgrade of the taxi fleet via new vehicles, which will be outfitted to give wi-fi access to passengers. It is also designed to end the moratorium on plates by allowing the incorporation of 200-250 new licences in the industry, helping to establish a new franchise system.

The initiative is designed to foster collaboration between not only government and private agencies, but also structure relationships between financial institutions, insurance companies and resorts, resulting in incentives for present and new taxi-drivers.

The Baha Mar proposal, presented on Friday to government and industry stakeholders, said: “This push to modernise taxi cabs is a part of a multi-pronged approach that calls for improved efficiency at LPIA, Customs and Immigration, and safety and security in beach and watersports activities.

“This proposal seeks to incentivise taxi cab franchise holders to comply with the Road Traffic laws and regulations. The intent is to improve the visitor experience. It seeks to create a cadre of professional transportation.

“This proposal to modernise the taxi cab service is not Baha Mar-specific. However, the opening of Baha Mar creates an opportunity for change and improving the visitor experience in the Bahamas tourism sector across the board.”

Baha Mar’s presentation added: “We see the modernisation taking place incrementally. What would be good is to have some early adopters who work from the airport, Downtown, Prince George Dock and Cable Beach.

“It would really improve the tourism product in key areas. We do believe that franchise holders want to see a transformation of their industry and want to be a part of this movement to improve the tourism product.”