Taxis and Tensions: Drivers Say Enough is Enough!
Well, well, well, the taxi drivers are singing a rather impatient tune these days, and let’s just say, it’s not a catchy one about the joys of the open road! For months, they’ve been knocking on the government’s door harder than a desperate comedian at an open mic night, but it seems reception is about as warm as a polar bear’s hug. They’ve had enough of the same old song and dance regarding their working conditions—regulations, licenses, parking zones, and the infamous pirate taxis; it’s time for action, folks!
Picture this: on the scenic Papeete seafront, a motorist has parked smack dab in the middle of the taxi lane like they’re trying to recreate a scene from a bad movie. I mean, come on, it’s called reserved parking, not improv parking! Taxi drivers can’t work properly when someone decides to use their lane as a cozy parking spot. Bob Carpentier, a technical advisor for the taxi unions, caught our attention when he said they’d like the government to install proper signage: “Give us a forbidden sense!” Well, Bob, I’m not sure if that’s a sense or just an unfortunate way to say ‘no parking’, but it sounds like a plan!
Now, let’s talk turkey—or in this case, taxis. The unions are up in arms about the sheer number of taxi licenses handed out like candy at a parade. Apparently, after the last pandemic lull, the government thought it was a great idea to hand out 65 additional licenses, bringing the cab count to a whopping 160! Bob, ever the sensible soul, argues that’s a few too many for the current demand. It’s like cramming six clowns into a tiny car—eventually, someone’s getting a cream pie to the face! “We must regulate,” he emphatically states. Regulation—what a thrilling word, Bob! It sparks images of red tape and cheerful officials in bowler hats, doesn’t it?
But not to worry, the unions are sharpening their pencils and preparing to make a point. If word from the minister doesn’t come by the school year in January, we might just see an action plan that disrupts traffic more than a celebrity meltdown on social media. “If they want a show of force, it’s unfortunate because it will annoy everyone…” says Bob, who seems painfully aware that stirring the pot usually involves splashing a bit of sauce on everyone else’s dinner. However, he insists this isn’t a wacky prank, just a cry for attention to issues they have already outlined in prior chats with the powers that be.
Meanwhile, a bill to regulate tourist transport hot off the press in 2019 is still gathering dust—four years later. It’s like a bad joke that nobody’s laughing at, and honestly, we could use a bit of regulation to turn this circus of events around.
So, as summer sun fades and tensions rise, one can only hope the government finds the time to address these cries for help. After all, nobody wants a traffic jam turned comedy show—it’s just not the right stage for it!
Let’s keep an eye on this evolving tale of taxi turmoil and see if our favorite ministers finally decide to pull up a chair and listen! Until then, stay safe out there, and keep an eye out for those pirate taxis—they might just be the next big thing! Who doesn’t love an unpredictable ride?
Taxi drivers are increasingly voicing their frustration as they face ongoing challenges in their working conditions. For months, their appeals for improvements have been met with silence from government officials, leading to a growing sense of impatience among the drivers. Key issues such as the regulation of licenses, the establishment of designated parking zones, and the problem of pirate taxis remain unresolved. Unions representing the taxi drivers have warned that if these critical matters continue to be ignored, they will take decisive action to demand change.
On the bustling Papeete seafront at the Vaima center, a common sight unfolds as a private motorist parks illegally in the lane designated for taxis, leaving their hazard lights flashing. This ongoing violation not only flouts the rules but also significantly disrupts the taxi drivers’ ability to operate effectively, creating chaos in the area. Bob Carpentier, a technical advisor for taxi unions, expressed his concerns by saying, “What we would like is for them to give us a forbidden sense ‘except taxi’ to let it be reserved for taxis, especially on busy days when boats arrive, leading to a surge in demand. There were barriers previously, but they’ve been removed, causing further complications.”
According to the unions, one of the most pressing challenges they face is the over-issuance of taxi licenses in recent years, a situation exacerbated by policy changes implemented by Moetai Brotherson. In response to the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, 65 new licenses were distributed, swelling the active taxi fleet to over 160. Bob Carpentier argues that this number does not align with the actual demand on the islands. He asserts the need for a regulatory framework to manage the number of taxis, stating, “We must regulate, meaning we should have a quota like in the 1980s. Should the islands ever welcome 600,000 tourists as the president envisions, then increasing the number of taxis would be justified. However, we are currently overwhelmed. It does no one any good to issue 100 licenses when only 10 are in operation, leaving 90 to struggle.”
If negotiations with the government continue to stall and no substantial changes are made, the unions are preparing to mobilize. Bob Carpentier pointed out, “If we do not receive a response from the minister by the time school resumes in January, we will stage a demonstration on the roads. While it’s unfortunate that it may cause inconvenience to the public, we are merely asking to be heard and acknowledged. In our last meeting with government representatives, they themselves admitted that our concerns are valid.”
In 2019, a legislative proposal aimed at regulating tourist transportation was initiated, but four years later, it has yet to see any progress or implementation.
Jules Bourgat’s report:
What are the main challenges currently faced by taxi drivers in Papeete?
**Interview: Addressing Taxi Troubles in Papeete**
**Host:** Welcome, everyone, to another episode of “City Talk,” where we dive into the pressing issues affecting our community. Today, we have a special guest with us, Bob Carpentier, technical advisor for the taxi unions in Papeete. Bob, thank you for being here!
**Bob Carpentier:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** So, it seems like tensions among taxi drivers are rising—can you tell us a bit about what’s been going on?
**Bob Carpentier:** Absolutely. Our drivers have been facing numerous challenges, and unfortunately, our calls for change have gone largely unanswered by the government. The issues range from an overwhelming number of taxi licenses being issued to illegal parking that disrupts our operations.
**Host:** Right. I’ve heard that the government recently added 65 new taxi licenses. How has that impacted the industry?
**Bob Carpentier:** It’s created a situation that feels like a circus! With a total of 160 taxis for our area, we’re struggling to meet demand effectively. It’s not just about the number of licenses—it’s about the lack of regulation. Adding that many taxis is akin to cramming six clowns into a tiny car; it’s chaotic, and eventually, someone’s going to get hurt, metaphorically speaking!
**Host:** I can only imagine! One of your goals is establishing designated parking zones. Can you elaborate on that?
**Bob Carpentier:** Of course! We need clear signage to indicate taxi-only parking, especially in high-traffic areas. It’s incredibly frustrating to see illegal parkers take our designated lanes, leaving us unable to serve our customers properly. We’ve been advocating for the installation of what I call a “forbidden sense”—essentially, proper signage that tells motorists the area is reserved for taxis.
**Host:** That’s a remarkable turn of phrase! What happens if these issues remain unresolved?
**Bob Carpentier:** If our concerns continue to be ignored, we’re prepared to take action. We’ve given the government until January to respond. If not, they might see a show of force from the unions to demand change. It won’t be pretty, but it’s necessary to get our points across.
**Host:** Speaking of disruption, I understand there’s been a long-standing bill from 2019 about regulating tourist transport that still hasn’t moved forward. How does that play into the current scenario?
**Bob Carpentier:** That bill is a prime example of government inaction. It’s like a bad joke—everyone knows it should be addressed, yet here we are, four years later, with no progress. Proper regulations could greatly alleviate the pressures we face.
**Host:** It sounds like your union is gearing up for some serious advocacy. What gives you hope that this situation might improve?
**Bob Carpentier:** I believe in the power of community dialogue. With enough voices rallying for proper regulation and support, we can make a difference. We just need the government to listen.
**Host:** Well, let’s hope they do! Thank you, Bob, for shedding light on this urgent matter. We’ll be keeping our listeners updated on any developments.
**Bob Carpentier:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** That wraps up today’s episode of “City Talk.” Remember, everyone, stay informed and keep advocating for change in our community!
