CEO 876OnTheGo, Olivia Lindsay, is expressing concern over the government’s ban on ride-sharing taxi companies.
Transport Minister, Daryl Vaz, announced the ban in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.
Daina Davy reports.
Minister Vaz instructed telecoms providers, Digicel and Flow, to restrict several ride-sharing applications from accessing their respective platforms.
These include Uber, InDrive, 876OnTheGo, Lyft, and Ride Jamaica.
He says the ban will take immediate effect, pending legal advice.
The minister’s directive followed the disappearance and suspected murder of 29-year-old teacher, Danielle Anglin.
She was last seen on May 13.
Miss Anglin reportedly took an In Drive taxi on her way to work.
Minister Vaz says the decision was not a knee-jerk reaction to a single incident.
However, CEO of 876OnTheGo, Olivia Lindsay, expressed concern about the minister’s instructions.
In a post on social media, Miss Lindsay says her company has been registered and licensed to operate since 2017.
She noted that the company has also been endorsed by the Transport Ministry.
Miss Lindsay says she understands the minister’s intent to reduce incidents such as the disappearance of Miss Anglin.
However, she expressed concern and disappointment to see her company grouped with those who lack proper regulation.
According to the CEO, 876OnTheGo has been thoroughly vetted and approved by the Ministry and international agencies.
She noted that the taxi company has also received high commendations for its safety and operational standards.
Miss Lindsay says it’s unfair for compliant companies to suffer from the actions of others.
She’s calling on Minister Vaz to develop a nuanced regulatory framework that ensures safety and security, while supporting companies that follow the rules.
Miss Lindsay says instead of being banned, companies such as hers should be valued, respected, and encouraged to model global best practices in the transport industry.
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