As the Route 3 Green Band Maxi Taxi Association stuck to its threat to withhold service to the public, Claxton Bay pensioners and school children were forced to wait for long hours in sizzling weather yesterday.
The maxi taxi stand at St James Street was empty. Not even the “touts” and vendors showed up. According to nearby shop owner Andrew Kennedy, the usual crowd of commuters was out by 5.30 am, seemingly unaware of the drivers’ protest. He said it was only when they began walking toward the taxi stand, word got around.
Taxi drivers for San Fernando/Couva had to absorb the influx of passengers as according to Chaguanas taxi driver Mark Greenidge, people who use green band maxi taxis usually dropped out in the communities along the Southern Main Road between Chaguanas and San Fernando. Therefore, he said, commuters from those communities would be affected most.
This proved to be true for residents who crowded Claxton Bay Junction hoping to go either side of the rural community as the available taxis and PH maxi taxis were not able to meet the demands.
Sitting under a shed, Franklyn Roopchansingh, 77, had to prop himself on his cane as the hour-long wait for transport was too much for his feeble body.
He said he had to visit his doctor in Princes Town who had been treating him since he suffered a stroke four years ago. Because he has cataracts in his eyes and cannot read the newspapers, he was unaware of the protest.
“I can’t even walk good so I have my cane with me. This morning I can’t get a taxi or private car to take me to the Princes Town taxi stand in San Fernando. I can’t take the bus because it will not drop me off where I need to go,” Roopchansingh said.
Dolly Ramtahal, 88, stood on the pavement for over two hours as she, too, waited for transportation to be taken to a doctor.
“It is real hell here. I came here since 7.30 am to go Marabella by the doctor and I can’t get nothing. No maxis, no taxis, no bus. Who strong could rush and who can’t, well, they just have to stand up here like me. I was feeling sick whole night last night and I said I would visit the doctor today,” Ramtahal said.
At 9.25 am, Natalie Mohammed said she had been waiting for transportation since 7 am for her three children to attended the San Fernando Methodist Primary School.
Some people took maxis without bands while a few commuters were allowed to buy tickets from passengers already aboard a PTSC bus.