No Rogue Community Cab Drivers

Minister says Community Cab Drivers to Be Registered as Government Moves to Address Jitney Concerns

Amid growing horror stories surrounding illegal jitney operators, Hon. Shaun Malcolm, Minister of Home Affairs, has made it clear that all drivers who intend to operate under the new Community Cab system will be required to register in a government database, ensuring authorities know exactly who is transporting members of the public.

Malcolm: “The objective is to phase out illegal jitneys and replace them with a legal, organized system,”

The announcement signals a decisive shift by the Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands to bring order, accountability, and safety to a sector that has long operated informally.

Speaking with NEWSLINE TCI, Minister Malcolm underscored that the move is a direct response to increasing reports of misconduct linked to unregulated jitney services, some of which have raised serious concerns about passenger safety—particularly for women and children.

“We have a lot of complaints about what is going on in these illegal jitneys,” Malcolm said. “Child safeguarding and passenger safety are serious concerns for us, and that is something we are addressing head-on.”

Under the Community Cab system, every driver will be formally registered with the Department of Transportation, creating a centralized database of approved operators. This measure, the minister explained, will allow authorities to track, monitor, and verify all individuals providing public transport services.

In addition to registration, drivers will also be required to complete safeguarding training as part of the qualification process. This requirement reflects the government’s broader responsibility for social protection, an area that falls under Minister Malcolm’s portfolio.

Beyond driver verification, each Community Cab will be clearly identifiable through multiple official markers. These include government-issued decals, specially designated license plates, and a Community Cab seal, ensuring that passengers can easily distinguish legitimate operators from illegal ones.

“This will be the only legal mode of public transportation once it is implemented,” Malcolm stated, adding that the system is designed to eliminate the risks associated with informal and unregulated transport.

The introduction of Community Cabs is part of a phased approach to modernizing public transportation in the islands. The minister explained that the initiative will serve as a temporary but structured solution while the government works toward a comprehensive national public transportation system expected within the next year.

“The objective is to phase out illegal jitneys and replace them with a legal, organized system,” he said. “Community Cabs are the bridge as we develop a permanent solution.”

While anticipation for the new system continues to build, its rollout has been slightly delayed due to ongoing legislative work. Amendments necessary to support the initiative are currently being finalized by the Attorney General’s Chambers.

“We were hoping it would have been done already, but it’s with the Attorney General’s office right now,” Malcolm explained. “As soon as that process is completed, we expect to roll it out shortly—hopefully before the middle of next month.”

Despite the delay, interest from the public and local operators has been strong. Malcolm noted that many individuals and small business owners are already preparing to participate in the new system.

“People are waiting at the starting line,” he said. “They are getting themselves ready for when we give the green light.”

The government believes the structured framework will not only improve safety but also create economic opportunities for law-abiding operators while restoring public confidence in the transportation sector.

For years, jitneys have served as an informal means of getting around, particularly in areas where formal taxi services are limited. However, the absence of regulation has led to inconsistent service standards and, more recently, alarming incidents that have eroded trust.

By introducing mandatory registration, training, and visible identification, the Community Cab system aims to provide a safer, more reliable alternative for residents and visitors alike.

As the final pieces of legislation are put in place, officials are urging patience, emphasizing that the additional time is necessary to ensure the system is implemented effectively.

“This is about doing it properly,” Malcolm said. “We want to make sure that when this launches, it delivers the level of safety and accountability that the people of this country deserve.”