The executive director of the V.I. Taxi Commission says open air safari taxis servicing the public transit route on St. Thomas deserve a fare increase. But not yet, said Executive Director Vernice Gumbs in a statement issued Thursday.
The cost of a ride on the dollar ride taxi has been the subject of controversy and lively talk radio chats since June 1 when Public Works raised the fare for Virgin Islands Transit System surface transit from $1 to $2.
Gumbs’ Thursday statement was issued to clarify the matter.
“Although an increase is warranted, there are specific requirements that have been shared with Mr. Bernard ‘BJ’ James, head of the ‘Dollar Ride’ drivers, that must be met before any increase becomes effective,” the executive director said.
Until then, she said, the dollar ride rate remains as it were, since set in the early 2000s: one dollar in the west from Highway 30- Bournefield Road to Wheatley Center, and in the east from Red Hook to Ft. Mylner. Passengers crossing Raphune Hill while traveling in either direction pay $2.
Dollar ride taxis on St. Thomas and taxi vans traversing St. Croix from Christiansted to Frederiksted provide supplementary service to public transit. VITRAN buses serve multiple routes on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John and run the routes less frequently than the safaris.
VITRAN buses also do not provide service on weekends or holidays.
In her Thursday statement the taxi commission executive director acknowledged the valuable service dollar ride drivers provide.
“VITCC would like to thank all taxi drivers who provide ‘Dollar Ride’ services and all persons who continue to use this alternate transit service which not only helps to reduce traffic congestion, but also provides a means for locals and visitors to access essential services such as going to and from work, shopping, appointments, etc.,” Gumbs said.
