Users of 24ora.com were astonished when they saw a black Ford F150 pickup truck operating as a taxi. This is not a common sight and immediately drew attention. Questions arise about whether this level of service is what we aim to provide to tourists, especially when the tourism authority consistently emphasizes the desire to enhance quality rather than quantity. However, the image of tourists sitting in the bed of a pickup surely doesn’t align with that promise!
But from the Department of Public Transportation (DTP), it was understood that such a type of vehicle is not illegal to use as a taxi. Theo Kock, director of DTP, explained, “It has four doors, and care must be taken to ensure that tourists’ luggage doesn’t get wet, etc., in case of rain.” Later, the public transportation expert assured that “It must be a motor vehicle usable for passenger transport. This specific taxi driver uses it temporarily until the part for his Toyota van, which has engine problems, arrives.”
Need to Update Public Transportation Law
DTP is aware that this form of transportation is not ideal, but if there is no law prohibiting it, it’s challenging to stop it. It should be mentioned that the concerned taxi driver approached DTP in advance to request permission to use the pickup while waiting for a new part for his Toyota van. As the part has been taking weeks to arrive, citizens encounter this pickup with a taxi number on the road. On the other hand, DTP can hardly remove the taxi from the road, depriving the driver of earning his daily bread to support his family because the car agency has not complied.
Right-hand drive not allowed
Considering that the law allows taxis to transport passengers in a pickup, it was opportune to ask whether right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles could also be used for the same type of transport. If the requirement is to have four doors and be able to move using a motor, then RHD should also be possible. But on this point, Theo Kock immediately answered, “No, that is clear that it is not possible!”
Not the First Time Pickup Used as a Taxi
However, staying on the topic of using pickups in public transportation, it was elaborated that if the pickup, for example, had only two doors, then something could be done against it. It’s good to emphasize that in the past, there were taxi drivers who chose to use pickups, and DTP could not remove them from the road.
But to clarify the matter, Theo Kock immediately said, with a serious and determined tone, “I am not in favor of this. But since the law speaks of a motor vehicle and does not specify this, such things can happen.” Therefore, it is hoped that in the next revision of the public transportation law, this option can be eliminated, in the context of providing a higher level of service to our tourists.
Taxi with Open Windows without Air Conditioning
While today there is already a question about pickups as taxis, there is still a need to address taxis with open windows and tourists sitting cramped inside. When asking why, it’s because there is no air conditioning. When reviewing the laws in public transportation, nowhere does it indicate that the car must have a working air conditioner. The law states that it must be a motor vehicle, with four doors, and must have an inspection card. And for vehicle inspection, there is no check on whether the air conditioner works. This is also a point worth reconsidering when updating the public transportation law.
Updating the Law
If everything is fine, this year, the entire law will be reviewed and described, for each permit, what can be done with it, whether yes or no. This will be clear to everyone, including the permit holder, the client, and even DTP’s own supervisors, the police, and institutions such as the airport and the harbor. It’s good that these two are well aware of what is allowed or not. For example, some time ago, the harbor allowed permit holders with a “T” number to transport tourists from the harbor to the beach and back. That can’t happen! It is known that sometimes a ship with 2000 passengers arrives, and there are not enough taxis to transport all passengers. However, the harbor cannot decide on its own and let tour buses do it. The consequence? Tour buses now believe they can operate beach shuttles.
Regarding DTP
In the past, the public transportation department underwent various structural changes and name changes. At one time, it fell under the Aruba Police Force. But from DOPV, Minister Otmar Oduber created a new department in 2011, which became the Department of Public Transportation (DTP). Today, they have 32 employees overseeing almost 7500 vehicle permits in public transportation. This includes approximately 6,000 permits for V-Wagens, 465 taxi permits, 20 bus permits (which are vacant), 90 bus permits, 40 Arubus permits, 380 vehicles with an “O permit” for unregulated transport, and also 380 vehicles with a “T permit” to operate a tour.
