ST. THOMAS, VI — Members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands met in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to host a Taxi Town Hall meeting concerning the operation of taxis on the island of St. Thomas. Meetings concerning the status of the industry had been held on St. Croix on October 1st and on St. John on October 14th. The town hall assembled government officials, taxi operators, and stake holders who were committed to improving operations in the territory. 

The Virgin Islands Port Authority, in collaboration with the Royal Caribbean International will be implementing customer service and training programs for taxi drivers.  The goal of the training is expected to improve service standards and help drivers meet visitor expectations for professionalism, courteously, and reliability.  Major infrastructure improvements are expected, with a proposed third cruise pier, dredging, and development expected at Crown Bay on St. Thomas and pier reconstruction and storm panel replacements for the island of St. Croix. No direct projects are currently planned for St. John. 

Senator Avery Lewis called the taxi drivers “our transportation extraordinaries” stating they were ambassadors of the islands, as they were the first welcoming smile visitors meet and the last friendly conversation they have before they leave.  Senate President Milton E. Potter voiced the importance of the meeting, stating that without the taxi industry, the tourism industry would fold.  Senate Vice President Kenneth L. Gittens voiced the need for the taxi industry to improve payment options, as well as encouraging drivers to inform visitors on local customs. Additionally, local taxi operators as well as stakeholders voiced the need to improve safety regulations. 

Cruise ship calls in the territory are expected to rise to 761 in Fiscal Year 2026. Passenger traffic is up on all islands, which rose to $1.8 Million in 2025, up from 1.7 million in FY 2023.  Increased ship arrivals can translate to more direct income opportunities for taxi drivers. 

Senators present at the town hall included Avery L. Lewis, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Dwayne M. Degraff, Ray Fonseca, Kenneth L. Gittens, Carla J. Joseph, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.  Novelle E. Francis, Jr., and Milton E. Potter.

The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit legvi.org for more information.

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Press Contact: Jamal Potter

Email: jpotter@legvi.org