Uber to work closely with Govt

Uber officials met on Tuesday with Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan; Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi; Transport Commissioner Wayne Richards and representatives of the TT Police Service at the Transport Ministry’s Port-of-Spain office.

In a statement, Uber stressed its commitment to safety, pointing out that, “all rides” on its platforms are insured and citing its “partnership with Guardian General to provide insurance coverage for both riders and third-parties using UberX in Trinidad and Tobago.” “Uber is committed to working with the Ministry to ensure legislation is modernised to protect the travelling public. We are certain this meeting is the beginning of a beneficial dialogue with the Ministry and other regulatory bodies in Trinidad and Tobago.

Together we can make sure all citizens have access to reliable, safe and efficient ways to move around,” the company stated.

“For example, no Uber partner can have access to the platform as a driver without providing a series of documents including a Certificate of Character,” Uber stated adding, “we also noted that Uber uses GPS to keep a record of the route a driver takes during the ride, creating accountability and a strong incentive for good behaviour.” The company noted that approximately 6,000 opportunities for self-employment would be available in its first year of operation and it will investing over $2 million in the local economy.

The Works and Transport Ministry in a media release pointed out that Uber was informed of the need for strict adherence to the laws of Trinidad and Tobago and requested full disclosure of Uber’s operating structures. “Uber undertook to provide full disclosure of all requested information with a view to facilitating the Ministry’s advice on its legal operation of services under a co-sharing arrangements for transportation,” the Ministry stated.

It added that Uber also pledged to disclose its corporate and legislative structures in other jurisdictions as well as its insurance coverage in all markets including Trinidad and Tobago. “The Ministry is actively leading a thorough consideration of the situation and will be in a position to report further in the near future,” the release stated.