Transport Authority warns of prosecution for Uber drivers without requisite licences

 

Current and prospective Uber drivers in Jamaica are being warned by the Transport Authority that they will be prosecuted if they are caught operating without the requisite licences.

 

The Transport Authority says the vehicle must be licenced to operate as a Public Passenger Vehicle.

 

The driver must also have a PPV licence, badge and requisite insurance.

 

Petra-Kene Williams, Corporate Communications Manager at the Transport Authority, says investigations are being carried out to ensure compliance.

 

Speaking on Monday on TVJ's Smile Jamaica, Ms Williams said, so far, an unofficial survey involving passengers has revealed that the ride-sharing company has been using licenced transport operators. 

 

"What is left to be seen is how the vehicles will operate because the Transport Authority cannot move on an intention to do something....Uber may be recruiting all these persons with their private vehicles, which is illegal for them to operate in Jamaica, but then, where the Transport Authority would come in is whether or not they actually deliver the service with an unlicensed vehicle. That is where our authority comes in and that's where we prosecute," she warned.  

 

She pointed out that the operators themselves will be liable to prosecution and not necessarily Uber. 

 

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has said the legality of Uber's operations in Jamaica will be discussed by Cabinet on Monday.

 

Uber started operating in Kingston and St. Catherine last week, causing uproar in the public transport sector.