Shutdown!
Come Wednesday morning more than 2,500 maxi-taxi drivers, nationwide, will stage a "stay-at-home" action to protest of what they deem "disregard and disrespect" by Works and Transport Minister, Jack Warner, according to the heads of the maxi taxi associations. Four of the country's six maxi-taxi association heads spoke with the Sunday Guardian on Friday. They had an overall problem with lack of consultation by Warner regarding maxi/taxi issues. They also expressed concern about the legalising of PH drivers. The Sunday Guardian was told that the majority of the six maxi-taxi associations will support the move. Tobago's maxi-taxi operators though not staying at home, stand in solidarity with their associates. Ian Hewitt of Route Two (yellow band) said his association has approximately 250 registered members. "My association's problem is the total disregard by the Minister," he said. He said all the heads of the maxi-taxi associations met with the minister in October to discuss a 13-point plan-one of which was the legalising of PH taxis.
However, before they could discuss the PH issue, they said Warner had to leave but he assured they would meet again within two to three weeks. "This is the end of the year, going in 2011 and not a single...nothing from Mr Warner," he said. However, in October, Warner told the media that "it is a misrepresentation for the maxi-taxi drivers to state that they were not consulted on the matter since they had and continue to have avenues by which they can submit their concerns or recommendations on the matter to the ministry." Hewitt said when legislation comes for the PH issue, then they will tackle it. "I don't know if the public will stand by and see these laws changed,"he said.
Stand up and be counted
Kelvin Pierre, head of Route Three (green band) said, "We are staying home on the 5th (of January) and this is in direct relation to treatment meted out to us by Mr Warner." He said they expected Warner to talk to members of the industry, however, "you hug up the PH people and he run with that, leaving out your legitimate, legal entity." He said the meeting in October only scratched an example with the said PH when an issue with insecurity was raised. Maxi taxis in some parts of Chaguanas stop working at a certain hour and not even the PH drivers shared their concerns. Route three operators who number roughly 540, service routes such as Arima to Brazil, Port-of-Spain to San Fernando and Chaguanas to Curepe. He said he hated to have the travelling public in disarray but, "it's just a question of stand up and be counted."
Route Four's (black band), Arjoon Sinanan, also said the Minister had not rescheduled a meeting with the maxi taxis. "When we reached number four, the PH issue, at that time he said he was tired and that he would call us in two weeks time to discuss other matters. Up to now he has not met with us," he said.
His association members were staying at home because of the lack of consultation. He said, travellers were needed but the association has decided to say "no" to legalising PH drivers. "They are supposed to get their legal taxi badge,"he said. Route Four's 200 plus maxi taxis service areas such as Mayaro, San Fernando and Moruga.
Out in their numbers
Meanwhile, head of the Auxiliary Transport Association (ATA), Gerard Whyms said all ATA and non-ATA members are on stand-by. "They are accustomed to picking up the slack. White vans and cars are ready and waiting," Whyms said. He said he still couldn't understand how the PH drivers affected the maxi-taxi drivers. He asked, "You will hold the public to ransom because you'll have your personal agenda?" He said the ATA will not allow any maxi/taxi association to use commuters as bargaining chips. At the most recent count in December, ATA had 2,000 members. Calls to Minister Warner's cellular phone went unanswered.