Taxi driver believes hidden agenda behind review

A Jersey taxi driver believes there is a hidden agenda behind a review into the island's taxi service.

Mick Tostevin, secretary of the Jersey Taxi Drivers Association, said he did not believe it was a coincidence that a representative from Uber - an online ride requesting service - had come to the island as it was announced the review was under way.

Infrastructure Minister Jonathan Renouf said "I want to make clear that there is no hidden agenda behind this review", adding he had not invited an Uber representative to the island.

He said he decided to review Jersey's taxi regulatory framework because "it is overly complex and not sufficiently transparent".

Deputy Renouf said: "Issues regarding the regulatory framework for Jersey's taxis have been on my radar since the election, and I have also been approached by fellow ministers and States members in this regard."

Tostevin said he thought there was an "ulterior motive" behind the review into regulations and thought it may be an opportunity for Uber to begin operating in the island.

"Some States members and members of the public think Uber will be the answer to all the island's woes with regards to taxis," he said.

Tostevin said the business model would not work in the island because Uber do not own their vehicles and Jersey's taxi prices are controlled while Uber operates on a surge-pricing system - where prices increase as demand increases.

Deputy Samantha Gleave, who asked questions about the regulation of taxis in the States Assembly, said: "What we've got at the moment just isn't working.

"You only have to go to the taxi ranks on a Friday and a Saturday night in town - there are no taxis."

She said the government needed to look at where it was "adding to costs unnecessarily".

Gleave said legislation about not carrying advertisements, using specific taxi signs and taking a customer service course offered by LibertyBus were all "regulatory burdens" that added to costs for taxi drivers.

She said she had not had conversations with Uber and loosening regulations involved "a careful balance" to ensure local taxi drivers could "continue to earn a living".

Charlie Petulla, founder and director of Ryde - an online app-based taxi booking service in Jersey, said he welcomed the review.

"Passengers want a fair price and a taxi they can rely on," he said.

"Clearer, simpler rules should help operators deliver both, while maintaining high standards of safety, accessibility and customer care."

Uber has been contacted for comment.

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