Discovery Bay to St. Ann's Bay taxi operators to get transportation hub

 

The St. Ann Municipal Corporation says displaced taxi operators, plying the Discovery Bay to St. Ann's Bay route, will have access to a designated transportation hub by next Wednesday.

 

This follows a protest by some taxi operators who withdrew their services on Monday and again on Wednesday morning.

 

The taxi operators were accustomed to parking at the Texaco gas station in Discovery Bay, but were informed by the owner that they can no longer use the property.

 

Chief Executive Officer of the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, Jennifer Brown-Cunningham, says Discovery Bauxite, formerly Noranda, is to give the local government authority a piece of land.

 

"In the short term we have agreed that the municipal corporal will get access to the property as early as next week to allow the taxis to operate from that space. We are also discussing the provision of temporary bathroom facilities and covering for the use of the operators as well as the commuting public," she advised. 

 

But Mrs. Brown-Cunningham said the corporation will construct a transportation centre in the long-term. 

 

"The corporation has been asked to present a design for the use of the property. I am, too, advised that we are in advanced preparation and will meet the deadline for a board meeting which is set for December 10," she said. 

 

On Monday, the taxi operators attempted to occupy the land owned by Discovery Bauxite, but were stopped by the company.

 

But there are mixed reactions from taxi operators about the new designated transportation hub.

 

Some operators are elated while others are cautiously optimistic.

 

Taxi operator Mark Robinson has expressed cynicism, noting that he has heard promises before for a designated transportation hub. 

 

"Actions speak louder than words. The fact that we are displaced we will be on the road with our road licence until the park is provided. We are paying for this, we are not squatters, and we need a place to operate; we are entitled to a place to operate. And this protest that you see here has garnered some traction, and if [the plan] falls by the wayside, it will restart," he warned. 

 

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz is expected to meet with the taxi operators on Thursday.