TAXIS will be able to operate anywhere in the Island if a proposal from the Department of Infrastructure is approved in Tynwald this month.
Currently taxis can only stand or ply for hire in the district in which they are licensed to do so – either east, north-west, south or malew. This means that a taxi dropping a customer outside its own district cannot seek another fare for the return journey and must return empty.
The move is part of the department's ongoing programme to modernise transport provision, in line with recommendations approved by Tynwald in 2009, and was the most popular option in a public consultation completed in November last year.
Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: "It is nonsense in this day and age to have taxis running round the Island empty because of outdated restrictions on where they can operate.
"Not surprisingly there are those in the taxi trade who want to protect the status quo. This is indeed a significant change which is why I have committed the department to review its effects in 12 months time. Our priority must be in the best interests of the public, the customer and the environment.
"In these challenging economic times it is essential that we continue to modernise all our industries and remove unwarranted restrictive practices. The taxi industry has been subject to temporary measures to protect it from these changes for over 10 years now.
"It is high time government grasped this nettle and started to modernise in line with overwhelming public support.
"This proposal is no more than a simple common sense approach and should free up taxi provision to offer residents, businesses and tourists alike better choice and service.
"However I remain committed to working with the taxi trade to ensure that the best interests of the public are served, whilst at the same time ensuring the viability of taxi businesses.
"I have committed to delivering an unmet needs survey in Autumn 2011 and the department is endeavouring to work with the taxi trade to identify additional taxi ranks in Douglas.’
The department's proposal is contained in the Road Transport Act 2001 (Public Passenger Vehicles) (Restrictions on Plying for Hire) Order 2011.
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