Chaguanas taxi stand in San Fernando returns to High Street

From Monday, the Chaguanas taxi stand in San Fernando will return to its original location at High Street.

President of the Chaguanas-San Fernando Taxi Drivers Association Adrian Acosta on Friday thanked San Fernando mayor Junia Regrello and other city corporation officials for the move.

On Thursday, the corporation (SFCC) issued a public notice on the move from King’s Wharf to Upper High Street.

The notice said the decision was made at a council meeting on March 9, after discussions with the taxi associations and the traffic management committee.

Speaking to reporters at Library Corner, San Fernando, Acosta, who is also president of the TT Taxi Drivers Network Association, said the relocation was initially a trial run for a few weeks. It was aimed at reducing traffic congestion.

"It took us two years, after writing some letters to the mayor and traffic unit. After some meetings with them, they allow us to return," Acosta said. "Some drivers start to work as early as 2 am, and there was no police presence or toilet facilities at the wharf. Passengers never used to walk down there so early."

Instead, early-morning passengers opted to travel in PH cars and other taxis from the top of High Street.

"It was an injustice to some of the drivers waiting hours for a full trip on the wharf," Acosta said.

Like other associations, his is in the process of launching a uniform. Acosta urged all drivers to get on board in the "fight to highlight safety issues" passengers face.

He added, "The travelling public is in charge of their safety too. Passengers should be careful about their surroundings and the cars they travel in. We understand that in some areas, taxis are not working."