The launch of the Swyft ride-hailing app in Antigua has ignited a wave of enthusiasm among residents, who view it as a long-awaited modernization of the country’s outdated taxi system. Social media platforms have been abuzz with praise for the app, with many comparing it to global giants like Uber. Residents have lauded Swyft for its convenience, safety features, and transparency, while criticizing traditional taxi associations for resisting innovation. The app’s introduction has sparked a heated debate about the future of transportation in Antigua, with many calling for a shift toward digital platforms to keep pace with global trends. Swyft has emphasized its commitment to enhancing, rather than replacing, existing taxi services, offering features such as GPS tracking, real-time booking, upfront fares, and cashless payments. The app’s successful debut during Carnival 2025, with over 300 rides booked on its first day, underscores the public’s demand for change. Despite warnings from taxi associations about threats to tradition and livelihoods, the overwhelming response suggests a growing impatience with the status quo and a strong appetite for progress.
Antiguans Overwhelmingly Back Swyft App, Calling It Long Overdue
