The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda recently met with the head of a Taxi Association and an entrepreneur to discuss a new driver service launching in the country. Unlike global ride-hailing giants such as Uber, this innovative service will exclusively employ licensed taxi drivers and vehicles, prioritizing safety and supporting the local taxi industry.

The new company, registered as a limited liability company (LLC) with the Intellectual Property Office, has compiled a database of approved drivers and vehicles. Its primary target market is single female travelers to Antigua who are seeking enhanced security during their trips.

A key feature of this service is its pricing model. Customers will pay a pre-determined price for their rides, with the taxi drivers receiving the full fare amount. The company will generate revenue by adding a small surcharge to each trip.

Cabinet members were assured that this new service is designed to supplement, not diminish, the incomes of local taxi drivers. By providing an additional channel for bookings, particularly from safety-conscious travelers, the service aims to increase opportunities for licensed taxi operators.

This initiative represents a unique approach to modernizing taxi services while maintaining the integrity of the existing taxi industry and prioritizing passenger safety.