Aruba Taxi Reform: Essential Fixes and the 2024 Ministerial Decree

In my previous articles, I explored the ongoing turmoil within Aruba’s taxi industry, from the disruptive protests that erupted in response to the Minister of Transport’s decrees to the deeper issues requiring urgent reform. In Taxi Protests in Aruba: Taxis Gone Wild, I highlighted the chaos caused by these protests, and in Taxi Industry Reforms in Aruba, I discussed the need for systemic changes. Now, let’s focus on the concrete steps needed to restore the industry’s role as a public service rather than just a profit-driven enterprise.

Elevating Standards for Taxi Services

It’s undeniable that taxis play a vital role in Aruba’s transportation ecosystem. However, to ensure they meet the expectations of both locals and tourists, there needs to be a consistent standard of service. Many locals feel that taxis are more interested in catering to tourists to earn the mighty US Dollar, often at the expense of providing reliable service to residents. Introducing new requirements for all taxi permits is a logical step toward achieving higher standards. These requirements should focus on ensuring that taxis provide adequate and dependable service, are available to meet market demand, and that operators contribute their fair share in taxes.

One key reform – not mentioned by the minister – that should be introduced is a mandate for yearly checks on taxis to ensure they are fully compliant with tax obligations. It’s baffling that taxi representatives openly admitted to not paying taxes for decades during recent events. This is a failure of responsibility and a blatant disregard for the law. The tax department should take immediate action by auditing all current taxi permits and ensuring compliance before transferring licenses or issuing new ones.

Expanding the Market and Embracing Ride-Sharing

Another crucial consideration is the overall capacity of the taxi market. With only 467 taxi permits currently issued, it’s clear that this number is insufficient, given the growing size of our tourism industry. With thousands of new hotel rooms added and the Minister of Tourism successfully driving our visitor numbers higher each year, the public transport market could significantly benefit from issuing more taxi permits. This expansion would help meet the increased demand and promote competition, leading to better services for everyone.

Besides increasing the number of taxis, Aruba should also explore introducing ride-sharing services. Offering ride-sharing as an option, is a natural and logical step that would provide locals and tourists with more transportation choices. In today’s world, where flexibility and convenience are paramount, including ride-sharing services could enhance our transportation system, making it more modern and responsive to the needs of both residents and visitors.

Ministerial Decree and Legal Grounding

The Ministerial Decree of July 31, 2024, is an important development in this ongoing saga. This decree, which regulates the transfer of taxi licenses, fits well within the Minister’s discretionary powers, as outlined in Aruba’s administrative law. The decree is legally grounded and aligns with public policy goals, reflecting principles of reasonableness and proportionality. The legal framework supports the Minister’s decisions and has been crafted with care to ensure fairness in the licensing process.

Taxi drivers have openly stated that they don’t intend to follow the decree, claiming the Minister cannot enforce it. This statement reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the legalities at hand. By dismissing the decree, the taxi drivers are signaling a preference for a lawless environment where they can continue to operate without accountability. This stance is both misguided and dangerous, as it undermines the rule of law and the principles of good governance that should guide any democratic society.

An alternative approach could involve issuing more taxi permits and other public transport permits, like the “O” permits, allowing the free market to correct misuse and follow demand. By increasing competition, this strategy would naturally discourage unethical practices and promote a more balanced and fair taxi service industry.

It’s also worth noting that some taxi drivers have reportedly considered filing criminal charges against the Minister. Yet, they have failed to specify the criminal code article under which these charges would be filed. More importantly, they have not clarified who would pursue these charges or who would bear the risk of filing a wrongful complaint. This is not a trivial matter, as submitting a false criminal complaint could, in turn, trigger criminal charges against those responsible for the false accusation. Such actions reflect a worrying lack of understanding of the legal ramifications and further emphasize the need for responsible behavior within the industry.

Conclusion

Last week’s events underscore the urgent need for reform in Aruba’s taxi industry. It’s not just about regulating the number of passengers a taxi can carry or who can transfer a permit. It’s about ensuring that the taxi industry operates in a way that is fair, transparent, and beneficial to the entire community. The time for change is now. The Minister of Transport must push through these reforms, and taxi operators must step up to meet these new standards. By doing so, they will improve their service and secure their industry’s future.

To our readers, let’s keep the conversation going. Share your thoughts on these proposed changes, and don’t forget to visit www.lincolngomez.com for more updates and insights. Connect with me on LinkedIn. Together, we can work towards a transportation system that truly serves everyone.

Until next time: Stay informed and engaged.