The Police in Dominica is expressing concern about the recent revelations by the general public that they are being charged fees to the Melville Hall Airport from Roseau which are not regulated by the Transport Board.
The standard fee from Roseau to the airport is $65 but according to persons traveling to the airport, they are being charged $80 since the advent of night landing.
Some taxi operators are reportedly telling commuters, “there is a day fee to the airport and a night fee.”
However, Police Chief Daniel Carbon, who is chairman of the Dominica Transport Board, described the increase as “illegal” and mandated police PRO, Inspector John Carbon, to speak on the matter.
Inspector Carbon told DNO that as far as he knows, the fees to the airport and also for public transportation are governed or regulated by the Transport Board.
“If the fares are to be changed, then, it must come to the Minister of Transport and Cabinet through the Transport Board,” he explained. “If the fees have not been changed by the board then any such action by operators is very illegal.”
He went on to say that there is nothing in the regulations stating there is a night fee or day fee for the airport. “You have a standard fee and just to let the public know that the fee from Melville Hall to Roseau is $65,” the police PRO stated.
Carbon noted that he spoke to a member (the president) of a taxi association who tried to justify taxi operator’s actions by saying that they must travel from Melville Hall to Roseau through Pont Case, but he was reminded that there is nothing in the regulations which said they must take that route or any route.
“So if they (the taxi association) have to charge any additional fee (s) they will have to make a recommendation through the Transport Board to the Minister to Cabinet but anything charged other than the stipulated fees is illegal,” he said.
He stated commuters should report any fare increase to the police.
“Persons need to be aware of the fares and if they are charged anything more, should make a report to the police who will deal with the matter,” Carbon said.
Hello everyone.
This is a comment from me and my wife who will visit your beatiful island next year in April 1:st.
We have saved a lot of money to be able to go to Dominica, about 10000 kilometers away from you. Were going from Stockholm in Sweden, change to next plane in London, then another plane to Antigua. And THEN the last plane to Melville Hall. You can imagine that after a lot of hours of flight we will probably take the first availible taxi to our Hotel, expensive or “Standard 65 ECD”. BUT! and here comes my point, werever you go on a holiday trip, you remember the best AND the worst things. If the taxi fleet in Dominica is greedy as been told here, we might take the bus instead, were not in a hurry, were on holiday.. We have the same problem here in Stockholm with private taxi companys who charge heavily for a taxi trip, but at least we have a law that forces the Taxi Cars to have a sign with prices per kilometer. Maybe you should have that too? Greed is hard to fight, werever you are in the world… Merry Christmas!
See you in April.
Yours truly.
/Peter.
Maybe the chief was a recruit then but I remember somewhere in 2009 that they said because of the road rehabilitation and the taxis had to use the Carib Territory route, but they are still using the Pond Case Road and charging $80.00. Hello $80.00? Melville Hall to Roseau? that is more than reasonable. 1/2 hour driving from Grantley Int. Airport to my house in Barbados cost me $60.00 BDS which is equivalent to $80. EC. I sometimes give more in Dominica especially if I am the loan pax.
I mean “lone” pax.
They charging $100 to $200 EC per person one way! sacway voleur! for that money you can get your own rental and drive to the airport in style. lol
the taxi board should have a meeting with the taxi drivers and fine a solution
Real Dominican, you hit the nail smack on its head!!! Should the police authorities wait for a complaint to act , when they were all paying the “illegal” fees??? Can we have an explanation, Mr COmmissioner/Chairman of the Transport Board???
DNO I’m coming next week…will be checking the fare to Roseau…
Let’s say the fare accepted by the taxi drivers as $65…consider 2 persons on the bus will be $130 then consider they make an average of 3 trips a day is $390 and they work for 7 days that’s already $2730 for 4 weeks that’s $10,920 for the month…….well excuse me, best i go and drive taxi or pay $20 and take public transportation
This is what we call highway robbery.
Anonymous, you need to think of the realistic situation here. When a Taxi Driver take you to or from the airport, how are you so certain that the taxi driver will get other fares? PLEASE be mindful readers; when one calls for a Taxi to Melville Hall from Roseau. the cost of the Taxi is really EC$170.00. It’s not the fault of the Taxi Driver to determine whether or not there are other passengers which would allow the one who desires the Taxi to pay “Shuttle or Shared Taxi”.
When one calls for a Taxi, the fare is really EC$170.00, and if when the Taxi arrives, there are others on the Taxi, then and only then you are required to pay EC$65.00 per head to Melville Hall. However, the Taxis operate on a “TURN SYSTEM” at the airport, where by the Taxi Operator/Driver who is on TURN at the time is entitled to 4 passenger at EC$65.00/person, except if one request for a “PRIVATE TAXI”, which would allow this client to pay the driver EC$170.00 to Roseau. Fuel cost alone is already EC$50.00. Are you now telling me that, if a driver makes 1 trip to the airport at EC$65.00 and ONLY gets that business for his day, that his take home is EC$15.00, is sufficient for himself to pay his, vehicle loan, housing, feeding of his family, and the list can go on? PLEASE THINK ABOUT THAT.
Please take note of the word CONSIDER, it’s a ‘what-if’ situation. And then again if it’s just one passenger on board and they collect 170.00 EVEN BETTER. Also, these taxi men never make one trip for the day nor do they get one passenger or else they would stop that business a long time ago. anyway they make a good amount of money and if they wanted an increase they should do it the right way and go through the chain of command. THINK ABOUT THAT
From reading all the comments: what dominicans really want? A taxi to bring them from Roseau to Melville Hall or from Melville Hall to Roseau for $10.00. A gallon of gas alone is $20.00. Think about the Taxi Drivers too!!!
This is not the Wild West. That is why we have institution in place, to stop lawlessness. Le sake vole kon’w
allu people too imposible and wicked. if the taxi carrying two or more persons i understand that each person will pay a fraction of the standard price of $65 or whatever it is. but if it is one person what is wrong with charging the full price or even more. allu too machastay. allu would drive allu vehicle in those ole holey roads to bring people to airport at 3 and 4 am. pay those bloody people their money and shut up. what for allu to make noise about allu fraid. It good for all taxi men to say they not operating again until the fare go up to $100. Let allu backside stay melville hall or at allu home.
Try it. It would be their loss.
One question I would like to no if is E C or U S dollar
So far, all of the discussion has been about EC Dollars
Are we talking 65$US or 65$EC from Roseau to Melville Hall Airport???
EC
Please read the DNO Admin. comments of yesterday, 10 Oct, which make it it christal clear that prices are quoted in our own, local currency, the E.C.$. We are not the U.S.A. yet!
@Malgraysa..
true say,the price is named in EC…BUT if you follow thread and read some of what the peoples have been confessing…Taxi men have been charging them in US dollars too!!!..So I can understand the concerns of those asking!!!..
There is a tendency to rip off those travelers and visitors.
It is simple which should be adhered to. The distance, mileage, should dictate the cost.
The government should regulate the cost to and from the airport. This Law should be in writing to the taxi companies or private taxi drivers so that there should be no misunderstanding of this cost.
Marigot to Roseau is about $10.00 by public bus. From Roseau to any other part in Dominica, ranges between $1.75 and $10.00 by public bus. Do the maths people!!
Dear Readers,
As much as we appreciate your concerns over the cost for Taxi Services from Melville Hall Airport to Roseau and visi verser, but some of the statements made here in this news report is totally wrong. If I may; ” The standard fee from Roseau to the airport is $65 but according to persons traveling to the airport, they are being charged $80 since the advent of night landing”, is FALSE. The reason why Taxi Services was at that cost was because of the fact that Taxis had “NO” choice but to drive to Roseau via the Kalinago/ Castle Bruce area, due to the “ROAD REHABILITATION PROJECT” through the Belles Village, causing a much longer drive, more fuel usage, more ware and tare on the vehicles that Taxi Operators uses, and the list can go on. However, there were and still are persons who understands the plight of the Taxi Drivers and pay them EC$80.00 for “SHUTTLE” and EC$200.00 for PRIVATE Taxi Services for passing through Belles. This was the “CLIENT(S)” request, NOT Taxi Operator.
With this, without seeking the “PROPER” approval from the Transport Board, Clients still continued paying the EC$80.00 for the services through the Belles Public Road to and from the Melville Hall Airport. Yes I must say that some drivers may have not been discretionary enough, but if the clients are in agreement with the drivers on the fare, why should persons who prefer to use their portfolio to discredit Taxi Operators?
Mr. Carbon (PRO), the Taxi Operators understands everything that you are saying, but may I remind you, that you and others members of the Police Force have paid the EC$80.00 without “ANY” problems, meaning that, you all are in agreement with the cost at EC$80.00. It is now very much unfair to deal with this matter in that way because Mr. Jno Baptiste was treated with an over charge by one individual a few days ago. Though I’m not sure of his situation as to whether he was the “ONLY” one on the Taxi at the time he received
the service, but if he was, he fare should have been EC$170.00. The driver however, should have NOT MENTIONED anything to do with day/night fares.
There is nothing like that.
The taxis association should ensure that the price list is pinned inside of every taxis cab so we the people can see for our selves that we are not robbed I paid $70 us from the airport to morn Juan Rivere Cyrique it’s not fair but I had no choice
We hope that the established correct fair will eliminate the high cost of $US. As I have stated, they could reap off visitors.
I personally believe every taxi driver in Dominica is on a husle, some people know the route is back and still charging the same $85 instead of $65… as a fair and frank person with integrity …i think we should introduce a meter system in those taxi so no one will get cheated …from destination to airport meter running at 50cents or 75cents a mile lets be reasonable ok…then its you to use your discretion on the treatment you get with the handling of your luggage along with the kindness…..
to give a tip…..
Meter may be worth a try but will it be fair and economical? How much per mile???
just be a sweet looking lady and you pay nothing or very little. we all know dem DA drivers cant resist having a sweet looking lady riding with them. ive been coming to DA for years and
i only paid 65 US my first visit Melville to Mero. since then ive paid nothing
Where money is concerned do you think they will fall for that and be satisifed with it?
YES YOU DID. With your sweetness.
zorrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.a few years ago i took a bus from mellville hall airport to portsmouth.the damn bus driver charge me $65.00.he charge me $65.00 for my daughter.and $65.00 for each of my two friends.plus he had other passengers on board…sakway voley
You should have known better. You paid, your fault.
I just left DA in JUne.I paid $150 from the airport to Colihaut.I was told that if I came with my boyfriend I will pay $125 but if I have more people with me I will pay $150 .I had a family with me so I paid $150.I was also told if I took a taxi I would pay more.Can anyone tell me who ripped me off?
I paid $5 from Calibishie to Blenheim. When you do not know better you are taken; however, you should have questioned first. Melville Hall to Colihaut is a good distance, but there should really be SET FEES to EVERY LOCATION. You know better now, hopefully you wont make that mistake again.
Hello and good evening my people. Well every time I read about a Government Official it seems like they hold two or more positions within our Government. How can Mr Carbon be a Chief Of Police and also be the Chairman of Dominica Transport Board? I see a conflict of interest with Mr Carbon because is he going to send his Police Officers to issue tickets to the drivers that he regulates. Also Is Mr Carbon getting two pay checks and will he get two pensions? We have to many people holding different positions when we can employ others who can probably do a better job. Mr Carbon need to stick to preventing crime and aggressively investigate any criminal act the occur. Now on the fare . We must have a set fare from point A to point B. So if the operators need a hike then it must be approved otherwise this will damage our tourism industry because every driver will charge what they feel is appropriate.
The Taxi drivers have to wake early in the morning to head to the airport, while most of you all are still snoring in your peepee bed – they deserve every cent. I’m surprised that the fare is that low.
@niceboi/#
IT is your JOB!!!!..You choose to go into taxi business…That is what is required of YOU…So don’t go stealing from peoples and now you complain like a dam first class TEEF…IZ greedy you greedy…Money making some of alyou barzoodi!!!..Dam wicked!!!
i remember a taxi man told me that when they are coming from roseau and have to pass through the castlebruce area,that is when they were working on the belles road they charge 80 dollars
I was in Dominica last year june and paid Linton from marigot 80.00 ec dollars.f from the airport to Roseau.
In only a few years, the cost has dramatically increased. Some drivers are overdoing it. They are taking advantage of visitors.
We always pride ourselves on being a friendly people and very helpful. Reading all these comments I wonder what foreign tourists make of these claims, especially when it is their first visit to Dominica. Remember, the first impression is the most important one and may well set the tone for the rest of their stay. Will these tourists come for a return visit, recommend Donica to their friends and family? This is too important to ignore, leave alone treat it with a cavalier attitude.It This does not pertain only to touriststs as it is obvious that even Dominicans themselves are pissed off.
We all have to become far more professional.
Three weeks ago I was charged $130.00 from Melville Hall to Portsmouth at night and I was a bit shocked but is that the normal price? Had to pay it….couldn’t exactly sleep in Melville Hall just to get a cheap bus d next day. And the driver even picked up a few hitch hikers and charged them some change on top of my money again.
You should have subtracted the cost for each hitch hiker from your charge.
Personally I think $80 is fair the distances are far. So at leas if he makes one trip he can call it a day.
Anonymous .
I agree that Eighty Dollars is fair from the airport to Roseau. They need to put better road signs from the airport to Roseau because I always ask for directions or I get lost .
$80 may be fair to you, but as it stands NOW, the $80.00 being charged is ILLEGAL. The regulations, as stated by the Dominica Transport Board, says the fare is $65.00.
Have you considered:
$65 day x 5 days = $ 325
325 x 4 wks = $ 1300
Some will drive 7 days a week. Figure out how much the driver could earn for the entire year. They probably make extra locally. Do they report their exact income to the government?
I do believe a receipt should be given to the passengers. Some passengers will need it for business record purposes.
Gas not cheap, so you have some real deductions to make from those figures
The law regarding TAXI fares must clearly stated and understood as to whether fares are per passenger or per trip. Also the law must be changed making it mandatory for taxi drivers to produce a receipt to the passengers so that if the passenger is over-charged, then he/she can produce his evidence. If a passenger makes a report without a receipt, it becomes the pasenger’s word against the taxi driver’s.
The taxi fare to Marigot is $65 and this should be per trip and not per passenger such that if there are more than one passenger then the fare should be shared. The scanario in Donminica is this; if a taxi makes one trip to Marigot with 10 persons, every pasenger is charged the full fare so in effect the taxi collects $650. for that one trip.
Straight Talk, I agree with you. Imagine making $650.00 for one trip. This is extremely unfair – outrageous! It must be stopped!
How many of them will give a receipt? I bet, none of them.
I am very happy that someone has taken the time to address this issue. My aunt said that … charges her $120us from Mellive Hall Airport to Grandbay. This is not right the bus drivers should be penalized for overcharging the people.
I am lost from Airport to any destination in Dominica the fare is $65.00 something does not add up
I have paid $100 from Vieille Case to Melville Hall once and $120 another time?Isn’t Roseau to Melville Hall further than Vieille Case to Melville Hall?Why such a vast difference.There should really be price regulation.
Yup, Vieille Case is closer, I think. ROSEAU IS DOMINICA, DOMINICA IS ROSEAU. They tried me but I am not stupid.
I had an experience with a taxi driver and this is what happened: I was rushing to keep up my mom from the airport (using the possi route cause of the road project) the airport was closing (no night landing as yet) and she didn want to wait, she said there was only one taxi there still.i told her ask him the price from melivlle hall to possi (NOTE MELLVILLE HALL TO POSSI IS SO MUCH CLOSER THAN MELVILLEHALL TO ROSEAU) THE MAN TELLING MY MOTHER $80.00. I WAS FURIOUS. I told her stay there.i told the bus driver if he is a mad man!!!
(cause by that time I was almos calibishie…I told him we will meet him just drive. we meet them calibishi. I gave is ass $20.00 and went on my way and if he had open his mouth I was ready to take it back too. NONESENSE!
First of all Mr. Carbon you are the chariman of the Transport Board, you should speak to this issue.
Next: when were the fees put at $65. I travelled many times last year and paid the $80.00.
Are the taxis back to the “normal” route? If they are they the price should go back to $65. My advice: call them, let them know the seriousness of the issue, press charges if necessary
Lastly, if the taxis still have to drive on the “normal” route that is not totally complete, they deserve the increase – I would certainly not drive my car on this road
Happy trails sir
I came to Dominica last week and I asked are taxi driver how much to drop me castle Bruce he told me $150 and any thing further east is $200 I was like OMG forget it
I usually ride taxi drivers from my village if I refuse to ride on them they will mention to me I ignore them and ride a stranger and they’re the taxi drivers who over charged me.I am coming home soon I am prepared for them.Thanks for this information
No… on two occasions I was charged $120 and once $150 from Salisbury to Melville Hall
$80 EC??
Please note that Shuttle Taxi from Salisbury to Melville Hall is EC$100.00 per person. However, in a “PRIVATE CAB” of no more than 2 persons, the cost for the Private Cab from Salisbury to Melville Hall Airport is EC$200.00. So if you were charge EC$150.00 with only you in the Cab, consider it as you got a “DISCOUNTED” fare.
I travel very often and is accustom of paying $65.00. When the reconstruction of the road began I understood the rationale of paying $85.00. It is only fair because it is a much longer route. Now that they are back to the original route why haven’t they drop it back down to $65.00. I travelled about one month ago gave the taxi driver $100.00 and was given $10.00 change. I have no problem with the increase considering the price of gas and the ware and tear on the vehicles I just believe it should be done the legal way.
I personally do not drive to the airport because the fee you pay is just the price of gas. I prefer avoid putting my vehicle on that road.
I think all taxi transport should have the fare printed on a paper signed by the chairman of the Transport Board or the minister who’s incharge & put up on the window/the back of the passenger front seat of every Vehicle they drive…..
In that case they wont rip off the new visitors that arrive on the island…. If they don’t have the sign up, they should be fined.
We live here, when they overcharge us we can demand the fee is 65$ but what about the visitors…If they ripping us off, I’m sure they ripping of the visitors also….
You all need to be thankful to God for providing guidance on the way, because our roads are extremely bad. But instead we complain. No wonder this place and people are so da… backward. Be thankful God has been good to you. You give to the Chinese more than you give to your fellowman. The blame should be placed on those who refused to do their jobs in regulating these prices – Look we have a “Chairman” getting paid to not do his Job.
Are you blind & deaf? The chairman makes it clear that the price was regulated. It are the tasi drivers, who chose to ignore the rules, don’t bother to renegoaitate and do just what they want. Does that sound familiar?
You must be a taxi driver but it does not pay to be greedy and avaricious. Some of those taxi drivers in Dominica are just too greedy. Some time back on my visit to Dominica, a taxi driver charged me $5 U.S from Citroniere to Roseau. I bet it has not done much for him. Lots of
people back home just think when one visits home from overseas, they carrying a bucket of gold and therefore, when they come visit, they just have to start shaking themselves and money will start falling like leaves.
I have read all the comments and I must say that many years ago I paid $100.00 from Melvinhall to Portsmouth. Yes if you are not carefull the taximan will overcharge you. There need to have a Tarif posted at the airport and at all Government buildings. The Taxis should display the tarif on the dashboard for passangers to see.
I have been paying EC$120.00. Wow! Therefore I was paying an additional EC$55.00 from Roseau to Copthall when the Bus Fare is a mere $2.00.
I figure airport taxi men are saying, “If bus drivers are charging whatever they want on certain routes, why can’t we?”
I agree with them if that’s their reasoning.
It’s bus drivers I have a problem with.
In fact, the transit system should be state run. That’s another issue I wish our leaders would have the guts to address.
Nothing that is commercial should be state-run. It just does not work, you only have to look at communist countries, but it certainly should be regulated.
Who runs it in New York City, Toronto, Boston, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Bridgetown, etc., etc. Do they work?
You don’t seem to know much or are just being mischievous.
i travel frequently an have been payin $80 to de airport but dere was this one time in 2009 a taxi driver charged me $170ec from de airport to mahaut, come one these things are not right everybody has bills to pay also
DNO…What happen to my comment on the abuse of the English word “Persons”?
Did I say something wrong or offended someone…?
im from st.vincent and was in dominica in September ,I was charged $100us from Melville hall to castle comfort then was charged $200ec from the same address to the airport again .
Woy….woy…woy!! A…A!! They bleed you man!!
@ guss,I apologize for the mishaps of my people’s towards you….This is a robbery!!!…And I am ashamed to be a Dominican reading all of this….In Antigua,the taxi fare is the same…it does not matter the distance one travels on the island Most tourist are picked up by the hotels… ,I think the same should be applied to Dominica if the arrangements was made before hand with bookings!…Again I’m sorry….I hope you will return and visit someday…Next time be prepared!…don’t let them rob you…that is pure stealing….People’s have to work so hard to earn their money and these men,knowing its wrong,steals like this….A real wickedness….but is not just the taxi drivers…one you go shopping controls your receipt…lookout for the vendors in the market…better to take your time about walking and comparing price…..for even there you are being reaped off…Let them come and tell me I lie…I am a Dominican and they stole from me….ahh magquay say!!!!
ebeh 80 dollars!!!Is a good thing i have my donkey grazing in Roseau so when i ready to go airport is load him up and start our journey the day prior….we must reach!!!
The Transport Board need to put a big sign in the Airport with the fees. That way people know what they are and don’t get robbed.
If the taxi drivers want to increase the fees then they should make a request to the transport board. In the meantime what is law stands.
This is the best way to resolve the issue. Place the fare at the airport so everyone can see. If the taxi drivers want an increase they should take the matter to the whoever is responsible to give them an increase. They may very well deserve the increase considering the price of gas and the
condition of the road
I was coming from the USA and a Taxi man dropped me in Calibishie and charged me $100 when i was going way up north. Another one picked me up and dropped me in Portsmouth for another $60. To get to my house i called a friend and gave him $50 gas. so i paid $210 for the journey. Then Tourism is everybody’s BUSINESS when they rip off the locals so tell me how much they skin the tourists.
I traveled recently and the Taxi charged me $85 to go to Mahaut. Should i ask for my money back?
When this was brought to the attention of the board, the chairman and the taxi association, it was bc the taxi drivers were asking 100EC to take someone to the airport for night flights…this is ridiculous and the taxi association justified the actions of its members! the Taxi association, the board and government knew that they were charging 80 since the construction of the road started and did nothing about it, it was illegal then! their excuse is tyhat it was a longer driver through the Kalinago Territory! its already bad enuff that we r being charged 80 per person, while in other countries its a fare depending on the location and it can be shared by the persons in the vehicle, be it 2 or 3 or 5!
We need the board to fix this!
One taxi man said his move was prompted by the self enrichement scheme going on in the country by people people and the courts not intervening. He said he wants to own a villa to shelter his family. I watched him and said, “Go to Hell Bastard! .”
That’s a dam lie!! You really think that some one believe you!?! They may just let you think they believe you because they are UWPites!! stop thes of childishness
My wife was charge $60 us from the airport to grand bay dispite the fact there was three additional passengers in the same taxi traveling to grand bay with her.When she ask the driver why $60.00 us and there’s four of them he said that’s the fare.
I went to Dom. In April a taxi driver told me because I was the only one to transported to st.Joe I have to Pay $265 .00.ec I told him hell no I took are bus to Possie for $5.00.ec i gave the driver 10.00.ec i took are bus from possie to st.Joe in all I just pay $ 15.00.ec to st.Joe ist That great
I went to Dom. In April a taxi driver told me because I was the only to transported to st.Joe I have to Pay $265 .00.ec I told him hell no I took are bus to posse for $5.00.ec i gave the driver told$10..ec i took are bus from possi to st.Joe in all I just pay $ 15.00.ec to st.Joe ist
WAY TO GO! You got home safe for LESS. If they want to be greedy we got to show them that GREED is NOT rewarded.
well quite frankly the police is a waste of time because i have been flying into/out of dominica for the past 4 years at least 4 times a year and I am being charged 80.
So if thats how u all enforcing the law, well SMDH.
Secondly, I agree 80 is not too much to ask, but I dont think people should be charged per head, it should be per leg.
so if 3 people in a car, it should be 80 jointly.
Thirdly, I am less disturbed by the price of that taxis than their conditions. It is appalling to see the bad conditions of Taxis in the airport- seats in shambles, no air conditioning in some- Police Officers need to raise the standards for the people. You can’t give Everybody a license to drive a taxi – If the vehicle looks like crap they should be denied a license!
its a win/win situation taxi man want to score i want to score too ..ay ay what happen to alu nuh!
The bus fare to Marigot is $10.00 but when the bus drivers here airport they charge $25.00
That’s a rip off too. At least $15.00 or $20.00.
Wheny you give them $20.00 they “It’s missing $5.00 wee Is $25.00 to here. Once a driver dropped off someone by the bridge but because I was going to the airport he charged me $25.00. That’s a rip off too. Grid for money!!!
thats y u have to give them the exact money and walk off..then again if u have load they have a right to charged bec u occupying the seats…i u have a bag pack on your back..they have NO right to charge u that much…who know what errands you on??
DNO can you please get the entire taxi prices list to be published? thanks….
Is that U.S$65? I have been charged EC$100 several times in the last three years for airport taxi fare and my sister got charged US$85 during the carnival season. They really should make the approved price public to avoid confusion
80 is reasonable I think where it hurts is being charged the same price with 7 people on the bus
I think their should be standard fares to various parts of the island with printed,pamphlet sized printouts mandated and kept with the dispatcher at the airport,put in prominent display showcases at the various ports,the Tourist desk at the Airport,the Taxi Assoc.offices,Car rental offices,Taxi and Bus drivers,Hotels/guest houses etc..In so doing,everyone will now be aware of the various fares to their respective destinations..If a bus has six passengers going to Roseau and the fare is $65.00 per passenger to that area of Roseau,then the bus driver should collect 6 x $65.00=$390.00.If one wants to have a Taxi or bus solely for themselves,not shared with others,then they would have to negotiate a fare with the drivers.I think that is a prudent and fair way to handle this situation.
Gas is EXPENSIVE EVERYWHERE. The taxi fare in Tortola is $8 US per passenger, approximately $21 EC and it is NOT based on DISTANCE. IT IS THE FARE, PERIOD.
If there is ONLY ONE passenger the fare is still $8.
Same in London. Those cabs are expensive and they are metered but you pay for the cab, not per passenger. Also their drivers have to pass a strict exam before they get their licence. After all, you don’t want someone with a criminal record or a drug addict driving you around.
Great idea
Niceboi#, you sound like the taxi driver that over charge me..You too DARM tef!!…I hope you chock on de money…Sayqau Foulah!!!!
I bought a nice pair of sneakers with your money. Still looking good on my feet. When are you coming back? I’ll be waiting at the gate. This time you’ll get a discount. Dow threat man
Ignorant FOOL.
niceboi/#doh worry..You will break a leg….De first taxi driver that did over charge me,he died…sudden!!…God is good…keep on stealing..one day you will feel it!..Darm Volahh!!…
I can actually sympathize with taxi driver’s on this issue because fuel costs are very expensive
$65.00 is just about the cost of gas for the trip of those vehicles take into consideration they pay full comprehensive insurance an increased fee for licensing for the H plates, wear and tear on the vehicles and their own personal expenses. It’s actually fair to be charges just $80.00 especially considering the distance.
You all fail to realize taxi is NOT all they do. These taxis are also used for personal use. Yes, there is ALL of what you mentioned to consider, but where is the OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY.
Passengers should not have to pay for MAINTENANCE.
If that is so let them apply to the board for a fare increase!
-First of all, taxi fares should be displayed at the airport, right at the arrivals hall in full view of the public. This is particularly reassuring for foreign visitors, coming to Dominica for the first time.
– Make sure it is clear that the fares are displayed in E.C.$. It is not unusual for foreigners to be ripped off by making them believe it is U.S.$.
– Taxi drivers should not have a monopoly. Even “only” E.C.$ 65 each way, is a lot of money for many Dominicans. A licence should be given to operators willing to run a regular, public bus service from Roseau and Portsmouth, with appropriate stops in say Canefield, Marigot, Calibishie, Wesley at lower rates than the taxi drivers charge. People should have a choice like in most developped countries, either use public transport or hire a taxi.
– Ask for a receipt, in case you need to make acomplaint. You have a right to this. Many taxi drivers are reluctant to do this, in case they get reported and also may not want to disclose their true earnings to the tax authorities.
Last but not least, when I contract for a taxi from Melville Hall to Roseau or Portsmouth for example I do not want to be shuffed into any old minibus. For that money I expect a properly cleaned, well maintained, comfortable transport with a disciplined driver.
I agree too. However, they should have made an application for a fare increase to the transportation board after the landside in the Pond Case area.
I can’t just paint an H on my car and start running my own taxi business because I need extra money.
There are rules and regulations in place for a reason.
And they charge tourists 70 US , perfer Antigua way
one flat rate.
As visitor I was charged US $50 Melville to Roseau. Agree prices need to be set, enforced and posted for locals and tourists. Love your island.
Everybody takes the law in their own hands nowadays. Will the police say that they never knew about this which has been going on for years?
Maybe they use their police vehicles?
Please say something about the fare to Portsmouth for we are being charged between $120.00 – $130.00 EC and sometime if they charge you $120.00 it’s like a favour the are doing you. Please clarify this one as well for us.
They should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law!
PROTEST!
i think a list of the prices should be made public. this is just not right.
tru it should be displayed at the airport
Pay the fare and shut up! all you pay much more in other Countries!!! The roads here are very bad. My tires only last 6 months. Gas is another liquid Gold. So why all who are complaining don’t have relatives pick you up? No, they won’t drive their Vehicles in to the airport. Come on man – NEXT TOPIC.
@ Niceboi…You are just ignorant!!!sakway escamoter! First of all fees are regulated abroad, if you take a cab the meter runs, if you take a private car/limo you have a quoted fee and tips as you deem fit based on service. If you have been reaped off, you have many avenues to pursue and this including court action. You all are always jumping on abroad to justify bad habits.
Secondly the person who made the complaint public is a resident national, and the callers were all living in Dominica. People have a right to know what the fees are and shouldn’t be reaped off because the dishonest likes of you believe you can attach extra amounts to unsuspecting individuals. You all are the same ones who complain when people have friends and relatives pick them up or drop them off at the ports and airports.
Thirdly $80.00 isn’t unreasonable to ask, but the fees must be set, the Transportation Board must approve it and then passengers will have no qualms about paying. Sakway voleh!!
The market is another such place where people think they can just tell you any price and even demand you pay them in US/Euro when they are living in Dominica. On top of it I am born Dominican, lived, worked on that precious island, still pay taxes there, I will never be a victim to this thievery. Zot tot voleh. Deal people fair. Just because people are visiting, travelling, buying from you isn’t an excuse to rob them blind. Put your human cloak on, and walk in that person shoes.
Tri-state beauty,I do agree with all you wrote above!..That is wickedness!…Charging people 80us dollars??..They all are dam teef and volah…
I went shopping in the market and two lil yampa…de woman selling me for 7 dollars…because she know I live overseas…We have to work so hard to buy a plane ticket to come down here..And reach home,they have already stealing from us at the airport!…Wicked wicked wicked….That is why some of them scrunting….People’s having their family come pick them up….Good I say….
WELL SPOKEN.
“sakway escamoter” that made me laugh. lol.
Yes, we’ll wait for the price to be set. It will be set when the sun set to never rise again. Just pay you 80 bucks and shut up.
Right on.
Aye Tri-Stat sa la. “Escamoter” hmmm you sure have a way with words!!!
Well, if every visitor asked a relative or friend to pick him up, all taxi drivers at the airport would be out of a job, no?
Think!
GO FIGURE.
No! we’ll go back to planting. Are you a Taxi driver? I guess not. Are you unemployed? ‘maybe.’
What kind of thinking is that? So it is duty now to keep the airport taxi drivers employed? They chose to have that jo by their own free will you know.
i don’t agree with your statement – about paying the fee and shut up. There must be regulations,
Your statements shows disrespect and disregard
@,Me too..because he is the VOLAH stealing and making fast money from peoples…They too tef!!…All of them scrunting…Is to see them fight like dogs at the airports when passengers arrive…
WHat do u mean the roads not good skerrit just fix the roads? Laybaaaa PoweRrrrr
You must be a taxi driver. “Pay the fare and shut up!” We may be paying “much more in other Countries!!!” but these fees are regulated. The roads are bad everywhere. Do not blame the roads for PROFIT. Your “tires only last 6 months” because of HOW YOU DRIVE, not the roads. “Gas, another liquid Gold”? What would you call GREED, – GET RICH QUICK?
“So why all who are complaining don’t have relatives pick you up?” Some of us do, and sometimes we want them to be surprised.
All u do is quite bcause ppl like u to dam N.V
People LIKE whatever makes SENSE.
Things are hard in Dominica, so the taxi guys are doing what they have to do…
has anyone go cargo to transport….lol they too carry stuff…lol
things are hard all over.. its no excuse to overcharge people that working hard for there money too
This is the WRONG way to go about it.
Tell the POlice,start run a taxi and charge $65 and carry 1 person every time month end wat is the profit and then at the end of the year when is time to pay License and insurance if they will be able to pay
who in the kitchen that does feel the heat
i feeling the heat too when i have to pay $80
Must be a good kitchen then. There are people waiting for membership of that exclusive airport tax association. Wonder why?
Passengers or not you still have to pay for your license and insurance. Let us say, for argument sake, you taxi is in the shop for a month or so, would you not pay for your license and insurance?
This attitude is one of the reasons people call their friends or family pick them up. Yeah, let us give the gas money to our friends and family.
CGarcon, you have every right to refuse to carry just one passenger for that fare but there is nothing stopping you from waitng for a second, third or even fourth passenger to make your trip worthwile.
I havé paix 150 from AirPort to roseau And i wasnt thé only client on board.this was like 4 years ago .thanks for thé info. I waiting for them again .i Will record them giving me their ripe out price.boy i vex
I have been over charged numerous time from melville hall to Roseau and from Roseau to Mellville Hall and the taxl drivers have the same price,the charged me 80us dollars,this time I am prepared for these folks ,thanks for this information.
I was charged 100us 6weeks ago to travel to castle comfort but im ready to them crooks next time I come to dominica its like they charges me for both way that they have to travel …now im ready for them
If you should meet the same taxi that would be a good idea to give him CREDIT for OVERCHARGING you. $1 US = $2.66 EC. $100 US = $266 EC YOU HAVE PAID for your other fare. It would be NICE to just give him a TIP and call it EVEN.
Have you tried walking? What is $80.00? You all crying people are heartless to the bone.
That’s not supposed to be the police duty to make that call. That’s way past their bounds. Just now police will tell me how much to sell my Dasheen? Go and rest all you self, you hear! Stick with all you drug search.
didnt u read the part which says Police Chief Daniel Carbon, who is chairman of the Dominica Transport Board…SMH
Niceboi only reads what he wants to read. Or did he have someone reading to him?? Guys like him are the ugly face of a profession that Dominica relays on to get the tourism sector going. God help us. What chance do we stand. Money, money, money that’s all that is in his head. The guy should be identified and his licence take away from him. These guys do more damage to the tourism industry than they do good.
Well he should not be Chair man, cause he is not doing his job. Plain and simple. And why is he the chairman when he already has a job as a police officer? Only in Skerritt badministration.
@Niceness…he cannot read…all he know is how to steal people’s money of from them!!!!!…Read all of the comments he has written..A ignorant and dam teff he be!!!!
@ dafriend,I agree with you…That man or woman WHO is Nicebo# should be identified and have the license be confiscated…..BANNED from driving taxi!!!!..Once a thief always a thief!!!!!
These people’s are bringing a shame to our land….The Carole festival is here….Keep them away from stealing from people’s….DNO I am so happy for this information!!!..I am passing it on to all friends I know coming home for the festival….Time to put a stop to that greed…What the bottom al you think?..we have mouths to feed too…That does not give me rights to reap off people’s like that and steal from them….Darm thieves I say!!!!!
The police is not making that call. The police mentioned is a member of the board. You have to sell your dasheen the same price as the other vendors. If your dasheen is better then you will get much more sales. Glad I do not eat dasheen.
By-the-way, everything I eat is in my yard. Do not have to buy them from anyone.
I was charged $85.00 ec last month and we didn’t pass the Carib Territory nor Portsmouth route…..
WOW…I have been paying $80 irrespective of the route…I always had a problem with that. especially the fact that it is $80 PER HEAD!
Well pay $80.00 a foot nuh!
I have been $80.00 for years now..sometimes even $100.00 depending on the person. So in my mind $80.00 was a deal lol
Me too. I thought they said that since they had to pass through Castle Bruce that it had increased from $65 to $80. I have been paying $80 since the road project started. I need a full list of the prices because I have been robbed!
Well I was Dominica in February and I was charge 100us to town.and the taxi make me to no only u.s he want
i was charge EC130 for the Castle Bruce once
Imagine that. They demand in what currency they want payment because they are collecting the US for their trips and do not want to go to the bank to make the conversion, but they give you ECC as change.
I notice too that when you go to the stores and pay with US they give you ECC as change. I think I know their reasons, you have to spend the ECC before leaving. I took mine with me for use on my next trip.
Yes, is so we are. We like to criticise good old U.S.A. but we are well happy to take their dollars. just like Venezuela.
I would appreciate if the fees for different areas are put up. let us know the standards.
Thanks
DNO please note that recently the bus drivers who service the Portsmouth to Roseau route have started charging persons in school the full fare of 9 dollars where they use to charge 5 dollars. Please clarify the official fares for persons going to school island wide.
Would DNO please ask the Commissioner of Police to instruct the transport board to publish all official fares of transportation in the various media ie newspapers and online news websites like DNO so that the Dominican people as well as visitors will be well informed so they are not being taken advantage of. At the very least those who are charging a higher price are breaking the law and should be held accountable. Respect for the laws of any country is a crucial aspect of civil society.
this time i ready for there backside… deh will not get my 40 US (108 EC) again…the screen shot save in my phone and after they have you paying all that money they passing your destination and bringing you and drop other people off like you not jet-lag and hungry too
Would DNO please ask the Commissioner of Police to instruct the transport board to publish all official fears of transportation in the various media ie newspapers and online news websites like DNO so that the Dominican people as well as visitors will be well informed so they are not being taken advantage of. At the very least those who are charging a higher price are breaking the law and should be held accountable. Respect for the laws of any country is a crucial aspect of civil society.
The government should advertised the price list in the airports and other key areas so people are aware of the fares.
I have travel 6 times for the year so far and everytime i’m charged $85.00ec
Now you know better.
To start up I am not a taxi person neither do i use taxi….
but ppl be fair to the taxi drivers, since when did they put that law in place? what was the price of gas, brakes etc at the time, road conditions etc? and having an extra $10 on the price at night should be nothing….the taxi ppl leave their family or watever they doing sometimes have to wait a whole hour after the agreed pick up time to collect someone esp on liat last flight.
Gas prices have been going up constantly over the years so it should be expected that bus drivers, taxi even private hires raise prices, they cannot or should not have to base their prices on prices set 15 years ago when nothing and i say nothing in dominica is the same price that it was 15 yrs ago.
Then they should make an application to the transport board ti increase it. Not just do their own thing. So if they decide is 200.00 we just have to take it. who is looking out for the consumers too?
To begin with, the taxi drivers/owners should bring up their concerns to the BOARD. It is NOT their place to raise prices when they tell passengers that if they (the passengers) have a problem take it to the BOARD.
Secondly, PASSENGERS are NOT RESPONSIBLE for their MAINTENANCE, LICENSE, nor INSURANCE. Passengers did NOT cause the bad roads. Of course, some of them has families, but that is NOT the PASSENGERS RESPONSIBILITY. All of your arguments are NOT validated because passengers are not at fault.
Thirdly, DRIVE with CAUTION so your TIRES will last longer.
STOP BLAMING THE ROADS, GAS, ROUTES, ETCETERA.
I agree with you all the way,sure maskers great sense.
I have been charged EC$ 80 for over a year…smh…it started when they went through the reserve and the fee remained when they resumed using route through pond cases.
$80 should be the fee
i have no bus, but know the cost of keeping a transport.
i traveled 2 months ago and was charged $130 to come to Roseau.
when ur tired from traveling u just want ur home, not argue over price.
next time i know its cheaper to rent a car and leave it at the airport.
@diablo I also find it cheaper to drive myself next time I travel to d.a because my vincy drivers liscence can be used so im goint to rent a car instead.
I do not think anyone is questioning the $65 or $80 fee. I think people are questioning the different fees charged instead of a set fee for each Village. I was charged $200 to go to Vieille Case. I did NOT take any taxi, and later found out that the fare from Melville Hall to Vieille Case is $100.
So glad I ask questions. I am not going to be taken by anyone again.
I’ve paid the $80.00ec as well and i think it is ok. For the ditance you travel, Dominican taximen charge the least in the Caribbean. In any of the other islands this could easily be $100.00ec. Let the men charge their $80.00EC.
Name the islands that charge cheaper… I have been to all the islands and Dominica taximen is a reap off.
Since it is illegal, what is their punishment? Do they have to refund us?
These guys need to be monitored much much closer. They do what they want and that needs to stop. They overcharge tourists, they drive dangerously and most of their vehicles are are not fit to carry fare paying passengers. The police should do spot checks on them on a regular basis and fine them heavily or in more serious cases confiscate the vehicle.
i normally take a marigot bus $10.00 and pay $5.00 etra to drop me in the airport if i have extra load ill give him $20.00
Dominica taxi drivers are a ripoff,thats why i never use them,coming down soon waiting for them to come in my face.
What one has to do when travelling to or from the Airport is this: if thr taxi chagres you $80, ask for a receipt and then take it to the authorities for action.
So what about Portsmouth to Melville Hall, because I have been charged $ 130 ECD in the past, so please clarify this too. Thanks.
amen
By the way, is the standard fee per person or trip?
I wondered about that. The distance and gas consumption would be the same for more than one (1) passenger.
IDIOT!!!
It should be per trip. The amount should be divided among the passengers.
really? is that what happens on liat or the ferry. come on the guys have to eat as well
It is per person.
I have only one question…is that in EC or US,cause I paid $65.00 but that was in US dollars…..not this got me thinking….was I stiffed
ADMIN: We make all quotations in our local currency (the EC dollar).
i think u were stiffed
More than stiffed…you were taken for a ride!
The taxi drivers think people are stupid because they do not live on the Island. Two taxi drivers told me, last year, the fare from Melville Hall to Vieille Case is $200. I rode with NONE of them.
I honestly think that if they ‘the taxi drivers’ charge based on conditions, for example, roads, night landing, etcetera, they are in the WRONG profession.
you rather they work in government? more trouble for us then…awah let them drive their taxis
I really thought it was $80 for years now the taxi drivers have been charging that fee and most people thought that was the fee. I think they should deal with those drivers accordingly and charge them for stealing from the public. This is really unbecoming. Why is it only in Dominica those things happen?? Is it because we have no regard for the law. We need to do something about this disregard for the laws in Dominica. Too many people do what they want.
When we do not know we have to accept. I think everyone should question these principles.
Daniel, I think the taxi fare rates should be POSTED in EVERY taxi so the passengers will not be robbed.
Here we go again?
Only Dominica? Really?
Thank you for informing me. I usually pay EC$80.00 one way whenever I visit Dominica.
I am not a taxi driver but I own a vehicle. $65.00 is by no means fair to pay a taxi to transport someone to the airport from Roseau. $65.00 sounds more like a group price (say 4 mor more persons).$65.00 is just about the cost of fuel to travel to Marigot. This definitely needs to be revised!
$65 is gas money, u cant charge one person $65 and carry only one person thats a loss
Gas prices have gone up, I agree that the taxi fare should be revised because of that, but you have to realize too that the taxi do not transport only one passenger. Furthermore, the price for gas has gone up by a few cents, so to put this into consideration you would have to raise the taxi fare accordingly.
You said “$65.00 sounds more like a group price” (say 4 or more persons) they do not transport less. A price is a price regardless of how many passengers they transport. Have you considered that there are times when they do not have any passengers?
According to you “$65.00 is just about the cost of fuel to travel to Marigot.”
It costs me $80 US/weekly to full up the tank in my vehicle, approximately $213 ECC.
The taxi drivers really over-charge passengers. The fares should be regulated.
$80US/ week? Damn you need a vehicle with better fuel economy.
Itassi- what are you really saying? You just said a whole bunch of nothing!!
$65 is even too much per head! cus the marigot public buses travel the same route from Roseau to marigot the is $10 per head. SMH
as far as i know the taxi operators have been charging extra to the airport since the construction of the interior road passing thru bells. taxi operators had no other option to pass all the way thru castle bruce to get back and forth from the airport.. fuel prices have been going up so why can’t the price go up too… vehicles don’t run on water… but to be fair seeing that the interior road is almost completed and mostly all taxi operators are passing there right now, they should put the price back to $65….
It was about time that somebody took this up these taxi drivers are over doing it never satisfied on one trip to the airport they want to make a whole day income. I know that taxi driver was not telling the truth when he said there is one fee for day and another for night. Now I know better these bunch of lyers are not going to rob me anymore $65. day or night that’s what I’m paying thanks Carbon for the eye opener.
thank u very much for that info….now about the fare from mellville hall to portsmouth…currently we are being charged $120.00, is that the set fare? or are we being taken advantage of?
papa met best u take a bus to go town and take the taxi from there wii….im sure it wont add up to $120
I think you are over-charged because Melville Hall to Portsmouth is closer than Melville Hall to Roseau. I also think that the taxi fares should be based on DISTANCE.
That is our culture…”Lawlessness”
That is NOT lawlessness, that is GREED.
DNO, what was wrong here?
Taxis began charging $80.00 when the Belles road was closed and Carib Territory had to be taken. It is a longer route.
they have been over charging way before the Belles road went under construction
it was about time this came up….the other thing is they were charging 80$ to pass the carib reserve way now they passing the normal route and still charge $80 when the original price was 65$
it became $80 since when the route was diverted…i remeber taking a taxi from the airport passing through the bells route ans i was still charged $80…those taxi man too voleh
i traveled on …. and he took 80 dollars from me
Since last year I paying $80 to go airport and you mean to tell me that the taxi drivers were overcharging me illegally?