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Committee votes to forward bill requiring electronic payments for taxis after amendment
Summary
The Senate committee voted to forward bill 36-0148, amended to require taxi drivers provide at least two electronic payment options, to the Rules and Judiciary Committee. Supporters said the change modernizes the industry, improves safety and aligns the territory with other Caribbean destinations; the Department of Tourism and taxi associations
The Senate Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection voted Oct. 27 to forward bill 36-0148 — which would require the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission to implement an electronic payment system — to the Rules and Judiciary Committee after adopting an amendment that mandates each taxi offer at least two non‑cash payment options.
Sponsor Sen. Kurt Veil told the committee that modernizing payment options will "bring the taxi cab industry in the Virgin Islands up to the same level" as other destinations and help visitors and residents who do not carry cash. He noted a prior legislature passed a similar measure that was vetoed and urged renewed support.
Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Hansen Whatley of the Department of Tourism testified in support and urged an expert assessment to guide implementation, saying digital payment systems "enhance the visitor experience," reduce cash‑handling safety risks and improve trip and revenue tracking. VA Taxi Association vice president Emerson Knight Sr. said many drivers already accept cards or mobile transfers and argued cashless options would increase safety and income stability.
An amendment offered by Sen. Franklin D. Johnson and adopted by the committee requires the commission to prescribe conditions for an electronic payment system and to require all drivers to provide at least two payment options, including debit/credit or electronic transfer. The committee also discussed a timeline for implementation; the bill’s draft contemplates a 120‑day implementation window for the commission to stand up the system, and the Department of Tourism and commission members said subject‑matter consultations with agencies such as DLCA and the Taxicab Commission would be needed.
After debate the committee approved a motion to report the bill "favorably" as amended and forward it to the committee on Rules and Judiciary. The clerk recorded seven yays and no recorded nays in the excerpted transcript.
Supporters framed the change as economic development and public safety: it reduces carrying cash, offers customers fare receipts and simplifies accounting. Drivers and associations described most of their members as already able to accept digital payments — one association estimated about 70% adoption among its drivers — but acknowledged older drivers will need training. The Department of Tourism recommended a coordinated implementation plan and training campaign and said the agency stands ready to help.
The committee vote advances the legislation to the next stage in the Legislature; if approved by the full Legislature and not vetoed, the Taxicab Commission would be responsible for promulgating the technical requirements and enforcement mechanisms.
