WILLEMSTAD - The Taxi Association TSA (Thirty Steps Association) welcomes the Curaçao government's plan to modernize the outdated law on passenger transport.
According to TSA, this renewal is crucial for the island, where tourism continues to grow, but the number of taxi permits has been limited to two hundred since 1992.
The stagnation in the issuance of permits has resulted in a daily shortage of available taxis, causing issues primarily for tourists, according to TSA.
Pension Age
A significant advantage of the proposed new law is that taxi drivers will no longer be required to stop working upon reaching the age of 65.
"Under the current law, I have to stop driving a taxi once I turn 65. With the new law, as long as I have a valid driver's license, I can continue working," says Hubert Hart, president of TSA.
The new law allows taxi drivers to convert their sole proprietorship into a company, such as an NV or BV, providing them with more flexibility and economic opportunities.
Transition
With this change, taxi drivers can apply for more license plates under the banner of their company, provided they can present a solid business plan. This not only allows for expansion but also makes the business a valuable asset that can potentially be sold.
This transition requires taxi drivers to be prepared for entrepreneurship. Although they currently work as independent contractors, this does not automatically mean they have a business. The government aims for a more business-oriented and flexible taxi sector. Drivers will need to handle tax matters and other legal obligations, especially if they own multiple taxis.
Joy Rosinda, a colleague of Hart, emphasizes that these plans align well with the philosophy of TSA. "We also embraced the innovative platform 24-7 Taxi, created during the COVID period and offered to us a few years ago. This has led to more rides and income, allowing us to work more efficiently, which benefits our customers," he adds.