UBER’s Entrance in Jamaica Prompts Concern from Local Taxi Groups

Local taxi associations and operators are expressing displeasure at what they say is a double standard being applied for popular American ride share company Uber’s entrance into the Jamaican market.

Danny Scott of the Confederation of Independent Rural Taxi Association says his group is wary of the method of operations utilized by Uber.

Uber announced yesterday that it had started operations in Kingston and St. Catherine.

Mr. Scott says Uber should not be permitted to operate at a lesser standard than current players in the sector.

Chief Executive Officer of On Time Taxi Services, Phillip Fearon, agrees.

He wants the Transport Authority to step in and regulate Uber.

While suggesting that Uber’s entry into the market does not presently pose a threat to route taxis, President of the Route Taxi Association Jamaica, Sophia Campbell, says the local operators will have to improve their services.

Sophia Campbell, President of the Route Taxi Association of Jamaica.

They were speaking last evening during Nationwide at 5.

In the meantime Norman Manley Law School Student, Sayeed Bernard, is urging people to read the contract provided by Uber before using the service.

Speaking during Nationwide@ 5 yesterday afternoon, Mr. Bernard said he used the App to access a driver but did not use the service.

Bernard explained that he was required to sign a contract to complete his request .

Bernard noted that the contract will help people to better understand the difference between Uber and existing taxi services.

He is however concerned about what appears to be a disagreement between the Transport sector and the the ride-share service.

Bernard questioned how Uber will be treated under the law.

Sayeed Bernard, Norman Manley Law School Student.

Meanwhile, Danny Scott of the Confederation of Independent Rural Taxi Association says his group intends to seek clarity from the government as to how Uber came to be operating in Jamaica.

Mr. Scott says his members will need to protect themselves from what he says is the service’s intrusion.

Danny Scott of the Confederation of Independent Rural Taxi Association.

He was speaking last evening during Nationwide at 5.