Changing face of transport service in TT

REMEMBER the days when getting to an event in comfort and style meant calling for a taxi through one of the many services that operated in the country? In those days, most taxi services were closely linked to the tourism industry and got most of their business through that sector. Those were the days of large, imported, left-hand drive American cars, which made them very distinct from ordinary route taxis.

In recent years, however, the taxi business in Trinidad and Tobago has undergone major changes. It is now rare to find the old-style taxi services, as they have evolved into modern companies, operating a range of services from airport shuttles to car rentals and even tour bus services.

One company that has undergone that evolution in its services is Bacchus Taxi and Car Rentals, which is located on Tragarete Road, Port-of-Spain. This family-owned business was established 60 years ago by the late George Bacchus.

The business is now run by his son, Peter Bacchus, who told Sunday Newsday that several factors, including the introduction of foreign-used vehicles on the local market have impacted on the way the taxi service operates.

“Almost everyday people used to use our taxi service, but now because of the influx of foreign used cars, more people are buying vehicles and using them,” he said.

Other challenges for the business he said, was the increase in crime, with more taxi drivers getting robbed.

“Being involved in the taxi service could sometimes be difficult, but we are trying to keep it going,” said Bacchus, who said the business has now been diversified to offer a wide range of services including locksmithing, licence plate services and vehicle inspections.

Kalloo’s Auto Rental Taxi Service & Tours, was founded by taxi driver Harris Kalloo in 1980. Kalloo, who was awarded the Humming Bird Silver Medal for his contribution to tourism in 1983, was one of this country’s most famous taxi drivers. He established the business after operating a one-man taxi service for many years, during which he was in great demand for the high quality service he provided to tourists and many world renown personalities who visited this country.

Kalloo, who was a legend in the local taxi business, passed away Wednesday at the age of 87 after a long illness.

His grandson, Aaron, described the taxi business as “seasonal and very demanding.” Their business operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year providing a range of transportation service throughout the country.

“We have offices at Piarco Airport, Port-of-Spain, Cruise Ship Complex, Caroni and at Point Lisas,” he said.

According to Aaron, one of their biggest challenges is manpower, “We do have our loyal drivers who have been with us for years but with our new drivers we make sure they go through monthly drug and alcohol testing. They also have to complete a defensive driving course.”

He admitted that crime has affected the business, in that they no longer operate in certain areas late at night.

“One night, we got a call from a gentleman saying he needed to be picked up at Hilton. When they went for him, he jumped in the car, attacked the driver and robbed him of the vehicle.”

On a more upbeat note, Kalloo’s has provided transport to many international celebrities and their drivers have had many interesting experiences with celebrities. When rap artiste Jay-Z visited Trinidad to shoot his music video, he used Kalloo’s service. At the end of his stay he gave all the employees free clothes and sneakers.

Richard Branson, founder and CEO of the Virgin Group, was so pleased with their service he gave one of the drivers a free airline ticket to England with free accommodations. Not to be forgotten is Mike’s Taxi Service in Belmont, which provided transport for Michael Jackson when he came to Trinidad in the late 1970s. Mike’s founder Michael Maximin died recently.

Newcomers in the business, Caribbean Limo and Cab Services of Trincity, has been operating for four years. According to a top official of the company, business has been reasonably good and the only downfall has been getting reliable staff.

“Nobody wants to work and that’s the problem,” he said. “Drivers are a problem, that’s the reason why I change drivers very often.”

The company’s clientele is made up mostly of people who use the service to go to the supermarket or to attend a party — activities that requires a safe and reliable mode of transportation.

Their corporate clients include the local Subway franchise, which uses the service to transport employees home after late night shifts.

In addition, the company has provided services to many celebrities, among them AJ formerly of BET’s 106 and Park, who used the service last Carnival season.

Although there have been challenges, officials of Caribbean Limo are confident that the business is on a positive growth path.

“Like a normal business, there are good days and bad days but overall things have been consistent,” the official said.