SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) – Officers of the Control Unit from the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) on Wednesday, March 13th conducted several controls country- wide in the area of public transportation.
Several fines were issued along Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard (in the vicinity of the port) and in the vicinity of The Refuge (formerly Sunset Beach Bar) to both permit holders and non-permit holders for violation of the Public Transportation Ordinance.
Hon. Minister Stuart Johnson of Ministry TEATT said that the measures being taken by the Control Unit is to ensure that all businesses within the Public Transportation area are operating according to their licenses and permits.
Violation found by inspectors were namely, offering public transportation services without a permit (also commonly known as gypsy services), providing public transportation services without a permit, falsely advertising oneself as a taxi, engaging in providing tours with a motor vehicle designated as a public bus, not possessing the correct driving licensing category for the motor vehicle being operated, drivers not being able to provide proof of having their permit upon request of the investigating officer and lastly operating a motor vehicle with a seating capacity that does not meet the legal requirement for the applicable permit.
“My ministry is taking a zero-tolerance approach where the safety and security of public transportation is concerned once violations are found. We cannot have services being provided which are not in line with the laws of the land.
“Licenses and permits are given based on the laws of the land with stipulations and criteria that must be followed and adhered too.
“We have to ensure the safety and security of all those who make use of our public transportation system on a daily basis which are locals and visitors and therefore a zero-tolerance policy has been put in place,” Minister of Telecommunications Stuart Johnson said on Tuesday.
These controls will continue with increased frequency. The Control Unit therefore strongly advises all transportation permit holders to always have a valid permit, valid motor vehicle insurance, motor vehicle inspection card and a valid driver’s license readily available upon request.
Drivers engaged in public transportation with or without a permit will be dealt with according to a zero-tolerance policy once found in violation.
This applies to both permit holders and non-permit holders. A fine can be given up to ANG500 per violation.
A T-operator carrying a taxi sign on the windshield. (Ministry TEATT Photo)
Control Unit officer speaking with a suspected gypsy. (Ministry TEATT Photo)
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