The Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association (BTOA) is raising urgent concerns about the Government’s recent public promotion of proposed amendments to the Motor Car Act 1951 and the introduction of a new ride-share pilot programme. The Association stresses that meaningful consultation and transparent documentation must come before any public marketing of the initiative.
While BTOA supports innovation within Bermuda’s transportation system, the Association emphasises that responsible progress must be guided by clear policy frameworks, evidence-based assessments, and open dialogue with all affected stakeholders. At present, no white paper, draft legislation, policy brief, or technical overview has been released for public or industry review.
BTOA President Ricky Tucker notes, “It is highly unusual and concerning that the Government is actively promoting a pilot programme before publishing the foundational documents that allow the public, transportation workers, and legislators to properly understand what is being proposed. Transparency must come before promotion.”
The Association is seeking answers in four key areas:
1. Impact Assessments Must Be Published
BTOA is requesting confirmation of whether full economic, environmental, social, and transportation impact studies have been completed. Such assessments are essential to understand how introducing commercial ride-sharing using private vehicles may affect road congestion, emissions, public safety, Government revenue streams, tourism mobility, and the long-term stability of Bermuda’s regulated professional transportation industry.
2. Policy Framework and Consultation Records Are Needed
The Association is asking for the release of the policy framework, including the objectives, regulatory structure, compliance standards, safety requirements, and evaluation metrics that would govern the pilot. BTOA also seeks clarification on the extent of genuine consultation with transport associations, tourism partners, enforcement bodies, and operational agencies.
3. Insurance and Commercial Financial Structures Must Be Resolved
Introducing ride-sharing requires specialised commercial insurance products and revised banking and financing considerations. BTOA is calling for confirmation that Bermuda’s insurers and financial institutions have completed the necessary modelling, pricing, and product development to safely support private vehicles operating commercially.
4. Public Promotion Should Not Precede Documentation
The Association is urging the Government to pause promotional activity until the required reports, legislative drafts, and consultation findings are published. Responsible policymaking demands transparency, evidence, and open engagement.
“BTOA remains committed to working collaboratively with the Government to strengthen Bermuda’s transportation ecosystem,” the Association states. “However, Bermuda deserves clarity and proper consultation before fundamental changes are introduced.”
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