USVI Public Records

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V.I. Taxi Association, Inc. Telephone 340-774-4550 Fax: 340-774-0553 P.O. Box 1377 - St. Thomas - U.S. Virgin Islands 00804 taxis@earthlink.net www.vitaxiassociation.com October 27, 2025 The Honorable Senator Avery L. Lewis, Chairman of the Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs & Consumer Protection St. Thomas, Earl B. Ottley Legislative Hall Re: BILL NO.36-0148: An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 16, section 274 by mandating that the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission implement an electronic payment system Proposed by Senator Kurt A.Vialet Good day, Honorable Senator, Avery L. Lewis Chairman, and Honorable members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to provide testimony. My name is Emerson Knight Sr., Vice President of VI Taxi Association, Inc. I’m here to represent VI Taxi Association On behalf of President, Lawrence Ramdhansingh, who could not make it today due to medical reasons. I am here today to speak in support of adoption and use of electronic payment systems by licensed taxi drivers in the U.S Virgin Island. Our islands” economy is heavily reliant on tourism, and many visitors, as well as some residents, do not carry cash. By enabling drivers to accept credit cards, debit cards and mobile payments, we V.[. Taxi Association, Inc. Telephone 340-774-4550 Fax: 340-774-0553 P.O, Box 1377 - St. Thomas - U.S. Virgin Islands 00804 taxis@earthlink. net www.vitaxiassociation.com can prevent lost fares, increase driver income, and provide convenient, modern service to all passengers. Electronic payments also improve safety. Reducing the amount of cash in vehicles protects drivers from theft and robbery, providing a more secure working environment. Additionally, digital transactions promote transparency and professionalism. Allowing passengers to receive receipts and trust that fares are fair and accurate. Beyond individual benefits, adopting electronic payment systems will help modernize the USVI taxi industry, keeping it competitive with other tourism destinations and aligned with visitors’ expectations. It is an important step toward supporting both drivers and the broader tourism economy. Inconclusion, electronic payment systems are not just a technology upgrade they are an investment in safety, professionalism, efficiency, and economic growth. I respectfully urge support for policies that encourage the use of these systems throughout the USVI. Sincerely, [Boban dha duce Lawrence Ram ingh, President LIST OF ADVANTAGES FOR USVI TAXI DRIVERS USING ELECTRONIC PAYMENT SYSTEMS: 1. INCREASED EARNINGS e ACCEPTING CREDIT/DEBIT CARDS AND MOBILE PAYMENTS PREVENTS LOST FARES FROM PASSENGERS WITHOUT CASH e DIGITAL PAYMENTS OFTEN INCLUDE TIP OPTIONS, INCREASING OVERALL INCOME. 2. GREATER SAFETY e LESS CASH CARRIED IN VEHICLES REDUCES THE RISK OF THEFT OR ROBBERY. e DRIVERS FEEL SAFER WORKING LATE OR IN BUSY TOURIST AREAS. 3. FASTER TRANSACTIONS e NO.NEED TO COUNT CHANGE OR HANDLE CASH ERRORS. e QUICKER PICKUPS AND DROP-OFFS IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND PASSENGER SATISFACTION. 4. PROFESSIONALISM &TRUST e PASSENGERS SEE A MODERN, ORGANIZED SYSTEM e DIGITAL RECEIPTS AND TRANSPARENT FARES ENHANCE TRUST AND CREDIBILITY. 5.. CONVENIENCE FOR PASSENGERS e TRAVELERS AND LOCALS OFTEN PREFER CASHLESS PAYMENT. e PROVIDES A SMOOTHER, MORE FLEXIBLE SERVICE EXPERIENCE. 6. ALIGNMENT WITH TOURISM STANDARDS e MATCHES EXPECTATIONS OF CRUISE PASSENGERS, HOTEL GUESTS, AND BUSINESS TRAVELERS. e HELPS KEEP THE USVI TAXI INDUSTRY COMPETITIVE WITH OTHER TOURIST DESTINATIONS. 7. RECORD -KEEPING e ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS AUTOMATICALLY GENERATE ~ TRANSACTION RECORDS, USEFUL FOR: e PERSONAL ACCOUNTING e BUSINESS REPORTING e TAX PURPOSES 8. ENCOURAGE GROWTH e SUPPORT FUTURE INNOVATIONS SUCH AS TAXI APPS, DIGITAL DISPATCHING, AND ROUTE TRACKING.