National

Taxi Cab Union: “We’re Going To Shut Everything Down”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union warns of a potential shutdown as drivers protest unfair competition from livery operators at airports and hotels, demanding government action to protect their livelihoods.

Published

5 months ago

August 19, 2025

Joshua Williams

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Taxi drivers in The Bahamas are sounding the alarm, warning they’re ready to shut down operations over what they call unfair competition from livery drivers that’s cutting into their livelihoods.

The Bahamas Taxi Cab Union held a packed meeting Monday night at the BCPOU Hall on Farrington Road, where union president Tyrone Butler addressed dozens of drivers and Trade Union Congress supporters.

Tyrone Butler – President, Bahamas Taxi Cab Union
“We are sick and tired of the mess that we’ve been going through.”

Drivers say the problem has persisted for years, accusing authorities of allowing livery drivers to solicit customers in taxi-only areas at Lynden Pindling International Airport, making it harder for licensed taxi operators to earn a living.

Butler says the issue extends beyond the airport, claiming major hotels, including Atlantis, favor livery drivers over taxi operators.

Tyrone Butler
“You can imagine a driver waking up at 4 a.m., waiting in line, and then a hotel bellman decides the job isn’t good enough for them and gives it to a livery driver instead.”

The union also says tourism and infrastructure investments aren’t benefiting taxi drivers.

Tyrone Butler
“The tourism minister brags about the numbers, but those numbers aren’t trickling down to us. Even the port received $350 million in investment, but nothing went to the taxi industry.”

Having recently left the Bahamas National Alliance Trade Union Congress to rejoin the Trade Union Congress over alleged conflicts of interest, the union is demanding government intervention.

Butler warns that if the concerns aren’t addressed, taxi drivers are prepared to take drastic action.

Tyrone Butler
“If NAD and airport staff keep blocking our work, we’re going to shut everything down.”