Premier and Minister of Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1), in his statement on Phase Two of the Economic Plan ‘Social Protection and Economic Stimulation in COVID-19’ mentioned that his Government launched the stimulus package for Taxi Operators who were unable to work due to COVID-19.

“The City Park and Ride Free Shuttle Service initiative is an excellent opportunity for Taxi Operators to take care of themselves and their families,” Premier Fahie had said.

Minister for Transportation, Works and Utilities, Honourable Kye M. Rymer said the initiative’s grant enabled the other sister islands within the Territory to participate.

Evolution of initiative

Honourable Rymer recognised the evolution of the initiative, which comes to an end on Friday, February 26, 2021.

“First we started with the ‘City Park and Ride Shuttle Service’ during the 2019 Christmas season. Then the COVID-19 pandemic came to the shores of the BVI. In an effort to assist Taxi Operators we were able to partner with the Social Security Board, through the Premier’s Office and offer the stimulus packaged grant,” Honourable Rymer said.

The Minister for Transporation said the initiative’s grant enabled the other sister islands within the Territory to participate.

“The service has engaged one hundred and twelve (112) operators on Tortola, seventeen (17) on Virgin Gorda, nine (9) on Jost van Dyke and seven (7) on Anegada. As a result of the stimulus, this Government has positively affected the lives of 145 Taxi Operators and their families,” Honourable Rymer added.

The stimulus package was made available through a Social Security Grant in the amount of one million dollars ($1M)) towards, among other things, engaging local taxi operators to provide the shuttle service as well as the quarantine bus service for returning Nationals and Residents.

The COVID-19 Transportation Stimulus Package will come to its end on Friday, February 26, 2021.

The Park and Ride Service Commenced on June 29, 2020, and to date over fifteen thousand, four hundred and seventy-nine (15,479) passengers participated in the service at an average of over seven hundred (700) passengers weekly.