Taxicab commission tells Legislature illegal operators, staffing shortfalls harm safety and revenue

Acting Executive Director Melissa Smith of the Virgin Islands Taxi Commission told the Legislature's Committee on Government Operations on June 1 that illegal, unlicensed taxi operators and a short enforcement staff are the commission's most urgent problems.

Smith cited seven citations issued so far this fiscal year for unregulated operations and said only one of those fines had been paid; hearings to pursue penalties are pending. "We have only seven citations for the year," she said on the record. "We haven't had hearings yet." She added that fines cited in the testimony include $150 for fare infractions and $300 for posing as a licensed operator.

The commission, Smith said, lacks enforcement personnel across the territory and has multiple vacant inspector positions. "My priority position to fill is the chief inspector," she said, and described a vacancy listing that includes six enforcement positions (including a chief inspector) and additional administrative vacancies. Smith said current enforcement gaps have delayed hearings and reduced the commission's ability to deter illegal operators.

Why it matters: illegal or "gypsy" taxis undermine passenger safety, create uninspected vehicles on the road and undercut licensed medallion holders who follow tariff and licensing rules, Smith and several senators told the committee. The issue affects tourism and…