Dollar-ride safari drivers on St. Thomas-St. John initiated a strike early Monday morning, converging at the V.I. Taxi Cab Commission (VITCC) offices to demand a long-overdue fare increase. The strike, however, was short-lived, as VITCC Executive Director Vernice Gumbs promptly announced a fare hike, bringing the dollar fare to $2 for any trip.
Gumbs issued a press release mid-morning confirming the increase, which took effect immediately. Speaking to the Source by phone, she revealed that the decision followed a meeting with the VITCC board last Friday, where the fare hike was approved. Despite this victory for the drivers, Gumbs noted that they still had a list of demands that could not be addressed without formal organization and a comprehensive plan.
“The strike stemmed from a recent fare increase by VITRAN through the Department of Public Works,” Gumbs explained, adding that VITRAN’s fixed-route services saw a fare increase to $2 on June 1, with paratransit services climbing to $4.
“Our dollar-ride drivers, who have similarly not seen an increase in quite a while, were justifiably seeking parity,” Gumbs said.
Gumbs also emphasized the importance of formalizing the drivers as a unit to address their remaining concerns effectively. “The drivers need to come together, organize formally, and present a comprehensive plan to ensure all their demands are met,” she said.
Bernard James, representing the dollar-ride drivers, confirmed that safaris resumed operations by the afternoon. “We’re happy with the fare increase and to continue serving the community,” James said. “It will take some time to formally organize and work through our other demands, but we plan to revisit these issues in the next six months or so.”
