Taxi operators began protesting in Halfway Tree, St Andrew early Monday morning, leaving countless commuters stranded. Despite their willingness to provide service to the public, they are accusing the police of aggressively targeting them, and are adamant that they were forced to strike. Vice President of the Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators (JATOO) Everton Style says the taxi operators held a meeting Sunday night to discuss these conditions, and decided the strike was necessary to send a message.
He adds the law governing their license stipulates they should be able to let off and pick up passengers, however, he says that law is flawed. Meanwhile, when the need arose for a woman who fainted at the feet of police officers, to be transported to the hospital, a taxi operator pulled through, and provided service.
However, their strike left commuters stranded on the usually busy Monday, with little to no transportation alternatives. The comments were mirrored by other commuters, who say the strike has disrupted their daily activities. Watch the full report:
Reporter: Nasika Alliman
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