WILLEMSTAD – Taxi drivers in Curaçao are raising concerns about what they describe as unfair competition from other forms of passenger transportation, particularly during major events when vehicles operating as “VIP transport” are used to carry visitors.
According to drivers who spoke with local newspaper Èxtra, the problem became particularly visible during the recent North Sea Jazz Festival. Taxi drivers said they frequently watched other vehicles pick up passengers while regular taxis received relatively few rides.
The drivers say it remains unclear who determines which visitors qualify as VIP passengers and which vehicles are authorized to transport them.
They also complained that there was no clear information point during the event where taxi operators could verify which vehicles were permitted to provide passenger transportation and under what conditions.
According to the drivers, this creates an uneven playing field because regular taxis must comply with requirements involving permits, insurance and vehicle inspections.
They argue that Curaçao already has enough modern and well-maintained taxis capable of providing VIP transportation. When major events require additional or specialized transportation, they believe licensed taxi operators should be given the opportunity to provide those services before other vehicles are brought in.
Their concerns, however, extend beyond major events.
Taxi operators are also pointing to the expansion of other passenger transportation categories, including RC/TX vehicles, tour buses, hotel transportation and vehicles operating under exemptions.
According to information circulating within the sector, the number of RC/TX vehicles has reportedly increased by more than 60. Èxtra noted that it had not independently verified that figure.
Taxi drivers are questioning whether the government sufficiently studied the impact that such an expansion would have on the existing taxi market before allowing additional vehicles to operate.
They argue that while the government continues to create room for alternative forms of passenger transportation, insufficient attention is being paid to the economic position of existing licensed taxi operators.
The drivers are therefore calling for clearer rules defining who may commercially transport passengers, what licensing and insurance requirements apply, and how regular taxi operators can be guaranteed fair access to passengers during major events.
Much of their criticism is directed at the Ministry of Traffic, Transport and Urban Planning (VVRP), which they believe should provide greater transparency regarding permits, exemptions and the government's broader policy for Curaçao’s passenger transportation market.