After a modest showing during Crop Over, Barbados’ taxi operators are pinning their hopes on CARIFESTA XV to deliver a much-needed surge in business.
With thousands of locals and visitors expected for the regional arts festival, drivers are gearing up not only to serve but to safeguard patrons amid ongoing concerns about crime.
Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport, Roy Raphael, said while the National Cultural Foundation has engaged some members for official transport duties, many operators are taking a cautious “wait and see” approach. Still, he expressed optimism that the influx of festival-goers could translate into meaningful earnings.
“We’re happy for the festival. I think it’s a very good move,” Raphael told Barbados TODAY ahead of the opening ceremony in Bridgetown. “We’re hoping that our members will benefit tremendously. What we want to do is encourage persons to utilise our services, particularly those who like to drink.”
But alongside the business hopes comes a strong message about safety. Raphael urged attendees to avoid hailing taxis off the street and instead use mobile apps to book verified drivers, a practice that’s relatively new locally.
“We’ve already appealed to the public to utilise the apps,” he said. “Very few of our taxi drivers will expect to stop for anybody on the wayside. Those days are gone. Call the taxi that will come directly to you. We want persons to be very safe during the CARIFESTA event.”
The veteran transport advocate emphasised that safety is paramount, especially during large-scale cultural events that stretch into the night. He noted that app-based bookings allow passengers to verify their drivers and help operators avoid risky encounters.
Reflecting on the recently concluded Crop Over season, Raphael admitted that taxi drivers saw only modest returns, even as other sectors reported stronger performance.
“Well, during Crop Over, we did not have a lot to shout about,” he said. “The hire car companies benefited, tour operators would have benefited, [and] most Barbadians had their own drivers, cousins, or family picking them up. So I would say it was reasonable, but nothing great.” (SB)
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