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Judith Wheatley, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, told legislators Tuesday that the industry she oversees has made significant strides in improving its image, working conditions and the quality of its product for the territory’s residents and tourists to the islands.
Wheatley presented the Finance Committee with an overview of the fiscal year 2012 budget for the semi-autonomous agency, one that is “comprehensively recovering from the failure of past structure(s), is focused on developing new methods of enhancing our tourism product, and is adamant to deliver a people-friendly transportation service for visitors and locals alike.”
“Improving the image of the automobile for hire industry is a priority. The healing process has begun with our stakeholders. Behind us are the days of lawlessness,” Wheatley said.
The Taxicab Commission funds its operations without an appropriation from the legislature. Instead, the commission generates revenue by issuing business licenses for all Virgin Islands taxis, tour operators and limousines. The commission also collects fees for miscellaneous forms, bank liens, bank lien releases, title searches, leases, medallion sales, replacement medallions, tariffs, rules and regulation handbooks, transfer of ownership, co-ownership, replacement license plates, certificates, penalties, and citations. All the money collected by the Commission is deposited into the Taxi License Fund.
That fund covers salaries, fringe benefits, and operating expenses including rent, repairs, maintenance, office supplies, gas, travel, equipment, court reporter services, enforcement training, enforcement equipment, enforcement uniforms, and vehicles. Between 10 and 20 percent of revenue generated from selling medallions to veterans goes to the Office of Veteran Affairs for operating costs and other related veteran benefit services.
Wheatley pointed out that the legislation re-establishing the commission did not include funding for added responsibilities—per diem, travel, and other expenses—for the commission’s board members.
The Taxicab Commission projects a fiscal year 2012 budget of $690,016.00. That amount is almost $46,000 more than the Office of Management and Budget recommended for the fiscal year, an amount that increases the commission’s challenges. The 2012 funding will ultimately be constrained by the amount of money the Taxicab Commission takes in through its services.
Wheatley also discussed challenges in improving taxi service, regulating the industry and enforcing the laws that govern its day-to-day operations.
Recent efforts have strived to bring licensed auto-for-hire operators into compliance, and to eliminate illicit businesses, including gypsy cab drivers and boat taxis licensed as charter vessels.
“These individuals are blatant about what they do and compete fiercely with the automobile for hire industry,” she said.
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