Ride-sharing, such as Uber and Lyft, is available in every U.S. state and many countries worldwide and it is a multibillion-dollar business, according to Statista.com. Ride-sharing is not available in the Virgin Islands, although many people agree it would benefit residents, visitors, and the economy. Social media responses affirm that the service is desired and needed, with 100 positive responses in less than a week.
One compelling reason in favor of ride-sharing is the lack of public transportation after 6 p.m., residents say. Taxi-vans do not run unless contracted by individuals for transportation. Workers cannot get home if they don’t have access to a vehicle.
Visitors who want to see the island often say they don’t want to drive on the left side of the street or on two-lane roads littered with potholes. There have been reports of travelers stranded at the airports because visitors thought taxis or Uber would be available.
Residents and visitors who enjoy adult beverages have no option for safe transportation. Ride-sharing would undoubtedly cut down on arrests and accidents caused by drivers under the influence, according to at least one potential vendor.
Taxi-vans don’t cover the entire island, so people can’t always get where they want and need to go, said another potential vendor. Some end up walking or getting a ride from friends.
Sen. Samual Carrion, St. Croix, is working with a team to write legislation to allow the service to be licensed in the territory.
Carrion said he hopes to have a bill for the Legislature to consider by the end of the year. Once he drafts a bill, it will be considered by a committee – perhaps Government Affairs or Housing and Transportation. If approved, the bill will be discussed and approved by the Rules and Judiciary Committee and then the entire Legislature will vote on the matter.
The Licensing and Consumer Affairs Department also had regulatory authority over businesses. On behalf of Commissioner H. Nathalie Hodge and Horace Graham, asst. commissioner, Diane G. John, special assistant, replied to questions from the Source. According to the email, ride-sharing applicants would need 1) a software development business license, 2) taxi or limousine licenses for all vehicles and drivers, 3) proof of insurance for the company and drivers, 4) inspections, safety certifications and background checks for drivers, as required by DLCA.
Several people are setting up ride-sharing businesses but have not actually begun operations. One company has already been providing the service.
Sanderson Monroe and VI Ubah have been operating for almost three years on St. Croix. When anyone asks, he says he doesn’t own the vehicle he is using for tours, excursions and concierge services, so he doesn’t need a taxi medallion or limousine license. Monroe said he is not breaking any codes by providing the service. Additionally, he said he has six contractors driving for his company.
“Business is steady,” Monroe said.
Patrick Farrell announced he is waiting for a change in the V.I. Code that addresses ride-sharing before he begins his service. Also, he has received unfavorable comments from taxi drivers who fear the competition.
Farrell said he wants to offer options for getting around after 6 p.m. and because taxi-vans don’t cover the island.
“Ride-sharing and taxis can absolutely co-exist. They are across the nation and the whole world,” he said. “I am patiently waiting for (senators) them to bring it to the floor.”
Others waiting to launch their businesses include VI Ride, VI Hail and Digicab.
