Taxi ‘Marrons’: Why Not Legalise Them ?

Not everyone owns a car. Not everyone can afford an expensive taxi ride. Not all regions of the island are served by official taxis. Not all regions have a proper regular bus service. Even if there is a bus service, chances are that not everyone can find a seat in the bus. In some areas, buses do not offer a satisfactory service. In other areas, buses become rare after 6 pm. Most people returning from work are forced to resort to taxi ‘marrons’.

These illegal operators offer a ‘service’ to the community. So why doesn’t the government legalise them by offering them a Public Service Licence? If they perpetuate, it’s because there is a demand for them. But people travelling in them are doing so at their own risk as they are not covered by insurance.

Worse, unlike taxis which carry four passengers, taxi ‘marrons’ do not hesitate to overload, and this is lethal in case of accidents. Furthermore, how many taxis are there that do not trade but are used as private cars? Everybody in this country knows who and where they are, except the NTA. It is common to find taxis refusing trips, so people have to find alternatives. Taxi ‘marrons’ have even become ingenious.

The introduction of yellow plates is a blessing for them as they are most often mistaken for licensed taxis. Some drivers have even affixed stickers reading ‘T4XI’ on their windscreen, giving the impression they are taxis! Until the government takes a firm decision, the situation will remain unstable.