A legal battle is looming
between taxi operators and the Transport Authority over a new dress code which
has been enforced by the agency.
Under the Authority's directive, denim or jean pants are no longer allowed as part of the taxi drivers' uniform.
On Saturday, personnel from the Transport Authority carried out an all day operation in Old Harbour, citing several taxi operators for not wearing appropriate trousers.
Several taxi operators in Old Harbour, St. Catherine who on Monday withdrew their service in protest against the dress code have obtained legal representation.
During a meeting held Monday night, the Jamaica Association of Owners and Operators (JATOO) confirmed that it would provide a lawyer for the operators who have been served with court summonses.
Louis Barton, JATOO President, says the group will be challenging the legality of the Transport Authority's actions.
"We have to go to the printing office in Kingston to find out if the changes were gazetted. If it was gazatted, then we'll ask the court for leniency because these operators were summoned to court because of uniformed pants but they did not know," he said.
Those cited are scheduled to appear in the Old Harbour Resident Magistrate's Court on Friday.
Taxi operators struggling under operational costs
And despite receiving a fare adjustment four months ago, taxi operators say they are still facing hard times.
They claim the revised taxi rates granted last December have been eroded by skyrocketing operational expenses including the sharp rise in fuel and motor vehicle parts.
According to Mr. Barton, legitimate taxi operators are struggling to remain in business.
He expressed concern that the situation could force many of these operators into illegal activities.
"The increase that we got the other day has already been wiped out and what will happen is that a number of taxi operators will take off their red plates to reduce their costs ... that way they don't have to pay the government," Mr. Burton said.
Under the Authority's directive, denim or jean pants are no longer allowed as part of the taxi drivers' uniform.
On Saturday, personnel from the Transport Authority carried out an all day operation in Old Harbour, citing several taxi operators for not wearing appropriate trousers.
Several taxi operators in Old Harbour, St. Catherine who on Monday withdrew their service in protest against the dress code have obtained legal representation.
During a meeting held Monday night, the Jamaica Association of Owners and Operators (JATOO) confirmed that it would provide a lawyer for the operators who have been served with court summonses.
Louis Barton, JATOO President, says the group will be challenging the legality of the Transport Authority's actions.
"We have to go to the printing office in Kingston to find out if the changes were gazetted. If it was gazatted, then we'll ask the court for leniency because these operators were summoned to court because of uniformed pants but they did not know," he said.
Those cited are scheduled to appear in the Old Harbour Resident Magistrate's Court on Friday.
Taxi operators struggling under operational costs
And despite receiving a fare adjustment four months ago, taxi operators say they are still facing hard times.
They claim the revised taxi rates granted last December have been eroded by skyrocketing operational expenses including the sharp rise in fuel and motor vehicle parts.
According to Mr. Barton, legitimate taxi operators are struggling to remain in business.
He expressed concern that the situation could force many of these operators into illegal activities.
"The increase that we got the other day has already been wiped out and what will happen is that a number of taxi operators will take off their red plates to reduce their costs ... that way they don't have to pay the government," Mr. Burton said.
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