Drivers say too early to tell what will happen

“We just have to wait and see what will happen. I really don’t know much about the changes, but the passengers seem to be well aware,” said a taxi driver. “From Tuesday we would know what is taking place.” The driver, who plies the Marabella to San Fernando route, spoke with Sunday Newsday at the taxi stand at Mucurapo Street, San Fernando. He said there is an association but he is not a member.

As such, he was unable to say what influence, if any, taxi drivers had in the proposed plans.

“I am not sure how this will work or even where the (taxi) stand would be. I had no input in this but I don’t know if the association had.” On June 28, San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello during a statutory meeting of the San Fernando City Council announced traffic will flow in different directions on some streets. Some taxi stands will also be relocated. The plan will be in effect for two weeks to allow officials to test its feasibility. If successful, it will continue, Regrello said.

Another driver said Marabella drivers will be hardest hit.

“We would have to take a longer route. It is too much driving whereas we could have just gone straight ahead to Pointe-a-Pierre Road. Although the stand will remain on this location, it will be facing the opposite direction so we have to go up Lord Street and make the rounds,” he said.

As part of the plan, there will be a reversal of traffic on Mucurapo, Lord and Library Streets.

The mayor said the plan was a collaboration between police, the traffic management unit, traffic wardens and various taxi associations.