Senate Moves to Increase Safari Vehicle Capacity Amid Taxi Cab Commission Opposition

Legislation to increase safari vehicle capacity from 20 to 27 passengers faces pushback from local taxi operators and regulatory bodies citing safety and congestion issues.

Despite immense pushback from stakeholders in the taxi cab industry, lawmakers on the Senate Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection approved of a new bill introduced on Monday by Senator Dwayne DeGraff which would, among other things, raise the official passenger limit of safari tour vehicles. Safari vehicles are now limited to a maximum of 20 passengers, but it is common knowledge that some operators carry more. With increasingly large cruise ships visiting the territory, Senator DeGraff found it appropriate that operators be legally allowed to transport up to seven more passengers. Under Bill 35-0230, the cap on safari vehicle passengers would be officially raised from 20 to 27, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles would inspect surreys, safaris and tour buses, and the Taxicab Commission would license them.