Significant Steps Will Be Taken to Ensure Security of Persons Using Ride-Sharing Services

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says significant steps will be taken to ensure the security of Jamaicans utilising ride-sharing services.

He gave the assurance today (June 7), following a meeting with the Transport Authority and several other government entities, which resulted in the proposal of stringent measures to balance the need for efficient transportation with the imperative of safeguarding public security.

Central to the proposed measures is the requirement for local ride-hailing operators to engage exclusively with registered public passenger vehicle drivers and vehicles that meet the standards set by the Transport Authority.

“The ride-hailing operators are to submit the requested particulars of the operators for review at the earliest, so the ball is in their court,” the Minister said.

“Further to that, the Transport Authority will submit its recommendation to the Hon. Minister in respect of these ride-hailing entities that are complying with the current legal licensing arrangement for both vehicle and drivers. So, that puts in the checks and balances in relation to monitoring and having a list of both the vehicles and, of course, the operators of those vehicles,” Mr. Vaz added.

Also, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), in collaboration with the Transport Authority will evaluate operators to determine their adherence to prescribed security protocols. Only those operators meeting the stringent criteria will be permitted to resume operations.

International ride-hailing operators will be required to establish a local business presence in Jamaica and appoint representatives tasked with liaising with the local regulatory bodies. Additionally, these operators must collaborate closely with the Transport Authority to facilitate comprehensive vetting processes for both vehicles and drivers.

Minister Vaz also noted that Uber, a foreign-based provider, has submitted a comprehensive regulatory proposal. It outlines measures encompassing fare regulation, insurance, safety verification, and licensing validation.

“I think we are far advanced with Uber. I believe that in terms of the concerns that we have, we will be able to take care of that and get Uber up and running in short order,” the Minister said.

“Anybody who contacts us that represents a ride-sharing app, we are going to give it priority to make sure that we meet with them, so that they can understand our concerns,” he added.

As discussions continue and proposals are refined, the Minister has pledged to maintain an open dialogue with all stakeholders, with a view to implementing robust regulatory frameworks that strike a delicate balance between innovation and accountability.

He said that while recognising the inconvenience posed by temporary disruptions, the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders.

“I just ask for a little patience. We are a business-minded Government, so I understand the interruptions. But in this case, national security must come first. What I want to do is to make sure we put in the guidelines to protect each and every user of these apps,” Minister Vaz said.