Illegal cabbies still at large
May 10, 2006
WHILE THERE have been crusades and campaigns to clamp down on illegal taxi operations across the country, a trip to Half-Way Tree yesterday afternoon showed the illicit operation still very much alive, even while lawmen patrolled the streets.
Not only do the taxi men operate illegally, they park illegally while soliciting customers.
Yesterday, some 'robots' en route to the Barbican area, were parked at the entrance of the Shell gas station on Eastwood Park Road where the old bus park was located. It is now illegal to park or disembark in that area.
Others were seen in the parking lot of the Pavilion Mall where the sign was clear: 'No taxis at any time.' These were mostly robots that provided charter service.
LAWMEN OBLIVIOUS
It was the same situation of disorder at the Esso Station at the North Odeon Avenue entrance en route to Shortwood. Nearby, three lawmen stood, oblivious to the situation, while conversing with a civilian about the importance of his wisdom tooth.
There were more illegal taxis just outside the Mandela Bus Park too, parked on the sidewalk soliciting customers travelling to Papine, University Hospital and University of the West Indies Mona, campus.
But illegal taxi operation was only one element of the disorder observed....
Author: Gareth Manning
Source: Jamaica Gleaner
