WhatsApp group alerts taxi men about police whereabouts

Shanice Watson, STAR Writer

Some taxi drivers plying various routes that terminate in downtown Kingston have found a crafty way to elude the Transport Authority. They have formed an informal communication network using the WhatsApp group feature.

The group is used to inform each other of the specific locations of the Transport Authority, thus allowing illegal taxi operators to elude the authorities.

A taxi operator and member of the WhatsApp group told THE STAR news team that the group has been in operation for over a month and it consists of more than 20 members. He said the number is fast increasing as any taxi driver with a WhatsApp compatible phone can join the group.

The taxi driver said the group has been a big help to taxi operators in the downtown area, especially since the recent clampdown by the Transport Authority. "We help out each oda so if you see dem, you tell di group and you can also ask di group how a particular location stay."

When THE STAR contacted communications manager at the Transport Authority, Petra-Kene Williams, the news team was told to email the queries and a response would be provided at a later time.