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Taxi operator Floyd Thomas
Some taxi operators in Buff Bay, Portland briefly withdrew their service on Monday morning to call for the Transport Authority to grant licences or an extension of their licences to allow them to operate from Buff Bay to Port Antonio.
The taxi operators, who currently operate on the Port Antonio to Skibo route, say that route is not lucrative while the Buff Bay route is underserved.
Taxi operator Floyd Thomas said scores of commuters, including students wanting to travel from Buff Bay to Port Antonio, were stranded on Monday morning as the few operators who risked prosecution were insufficient.
He told Radio Jamaica News that buses that ply the Ocho Rios and Annotto Bay route had to assist in providing transportation for stranded students, teachers and other commuters.
But Mr. Thomas pointed out that if they divert from their route, they are ticketed or served summonses to appear in court.
"Right now we have drivers here with 12 summons, we have drivers here with nine summons, 17 summons," he reported.
He said the taxi operators have tried various avenues - including the Transport Authority and the police - to have their request acted on, but they have yet to receive a favourable response.
"[W]e need help to get that extension from Port Antonio to Buff Bay," he pleaded.
The taxi operators resumed their service after getting permission from the police to divert from their licences and assist the commuters.
Radio Jamaica News is awaiting a response from the Transport Authority.
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