Ian Joseph, President of the United Taxi Company (UTC), addressed public concerns on Thursday regarding proposed regulations for ground transportation at V.C. Bird International Airport. He emphasized that the new measures would not restrict family members or friends from picking up loved ones. Joseph clarified that the regulations are aimed at curbing unauthorized taxi operators who illegally collect passengers for profit, rather than targeting personal pickups.
Joseph acknowledged that confusion surrounding the proposal had led to widespread misunderstanding. “I want to reassure the public that there will never be restrictions on families picking up their loved ones,” he stated. “Our focus is on individuals who operate unauthorized taxi services at the airport.”
The announcement followed a recent meeting between UTC, other transportation groups, and the attorney general to address the persistent issue of illegal taxi operators. Proposed solutions include implementing a vehicle sticker system, requiring non-members to pay premiums and royalties to UTC, and enhancing monitoring at the airport.
While some residents criticized the proposals as excessive, Joseph defended the measures, stating they are designed to promote fairness, security, and order for both drivers and travelers. The UTC president’s clarification aims to alleviate public concerns and ensure transparency as the regulations move forward.