Belize City Council’s e-Taxi Program Shifts Into High Gear

The Belize City Council is looking for more e-taxi drivers as it expands the e-mobility program in Belize’s biggest municipality. According to E-Mobility Coordinator Neil Hall, the pilot project with an initial four e-taxis proved residents are appreciative of the service, and it is economically feasible for the council, drivers and commuters. The council is now adding an additional four e-taxis to its fleet and are inviting prospective drivers to apply.

 

Neil Hall, E-Mobility Coordinator

“We wanted to show taxi drivers that they can make more money if they invest in better technology and we also wanted it so that the city could benefit because if we’re a city with low carbon expenditure and a more quiet combustion-type vehicle, you are winning on noise pollution and carbon emissions. We have been getting a steady flow of incoming applications for our e-taxis but because we have a bit more of a strict control over their whereabouts at nights it’s been challenging for some taxi drivers to make the transition. We’ve heard what they’re saying and we are looking at ways of combating that, so we’re hoping to have our fleet of taxis out there in abundance. We just got four more newer ones that we’re looking forward to putting on the street so we will be also looking for drivers for those vehicles as well. And please let please let the your viewership know that when we do get those buses, we will be looking for e-Bus drivers as well.”

 

Private sector company e-Volution Motors has also launched its own e-taxi program. The council plans to further expand its e-mobility program using the municipal bond.

 

Attention readers: This online newscast is a direct transcript of our evening television broadcast. When speakers use Kriol, we have carefully rendered their words using a standard spelling system.

 

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