Taxi Association Pushes Back as Swyft App Disrupts Antigua’s Transport Scene
A new ride-hailing service is shaking up Antigua’s transport sector, sparking a public clash between tradition and technology.
Swyft, a taxi-hailing app launched this year, promises faster, more reliable rides for both locals and visitors. But Gregory Athill, president of the National Taxi Association, says the app threatens not only taxi operators’ livelihoods but also a culture of personal service that has defined the industry for decades.
“We have a heritage, we have a culture where we have an experience, a relationship with people,” Athill told Observer AM. “That’s something that we want to continue on Antigua and Barbuda”.
Athill’s strongest criticism centers on how Swift was introduced. He said the government licensed the company before consulting industry stakeholders. Only after registration, he recalled, did Swyft representatives reach out to taxi associations.
“They went into the government, they registered, and then they came to us and said, they would like us to be a part of it,” Athill said. “The three organizations at the time said, these are the concerns that we have. And we are not comfortable”.
The lack of early consultation, he argued, denied operators the chance to help shape the rollout and protect the structure already governed by the Chancellor Board and taxi regulations.
Another flashpoint is whether the app may open doors to unlicensed vehicles. Swyft insists its system verifies drivers’ taxi permits, registrations, and insurance before allowing them on the platform. But Athill said advertisements have already shown “C-plate” vehicles — not licensed taxis — picking up passengers.
“People’s always gonna say what they want you to hear, and we are not fooled by that,” he said, stressing the association’s refusal to accept the app under current conditions.
For Athill, the stakes are existential. “It’s one of her, it’s 700 of us,” he said, pointing to the hundreds of operators who depend on the regulated system. “We have to do what we have to do as taxi drivers and operators in this country”.
While Athill defends the traditional system, many callers to Observer AM expressed impatience with the status quo. Listeners described difficulty finding taxis after hours or during the off-season, accusing some drivers of overcharging or refusing locals in favor of tourists.
Others said the app reflects global trends already embraced in places like Trinidad and St. Vincent. One caller argued that taxi associations should “innovate instead of fighting progress” and consider teaching members how to use the app to benefit from its operations.
Athill, however, remains firm. For him, the issue is not just competition but respect for regulation and the survival of an industry built over generations. The association, he said, will “stand its ground” until its concerns are addressed.
Swift’s principals are expected to appear on Observer AM to respond to the criticism. Their defense may determine whether the app becomes an accepted part of Antigua’s transport system — or remains locked in a standoff with the island’s taxi drivers.
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Gregory Athill’s points were very weak and he didn’t make much sense this morning. Taxi Association want to operate the same way it did 30 years ago, and not use technology. If their leaders to backward to embrace technology, it might be best they find dynamics and creative leaders to lead them. Uber and other ride sharing apps are the modern way persons use to book taxi,… Taxi Association should get with the times and produce their own APP, or just get out the way.
Isn’t the app spelled “Swyft”? Why do they continuously type it as ‘Swift’? FFS
If it were up to the Taxi Associations, they would rule taxi services forever, there would never be any competition allowed and advancements and changes in technology would never be allowed if it challenged their way of doing business. They want a monopoly with government barring any business that is new and might compete with the taxi associations. That only happens in communist countries and dictatorships. Not in a free market economy.
If Antigua recognizes ” Free Market”, then I don’t see the issue here.
If you are upset with your gov about transparency, then that’s a different argument, but as far as ride-share goes, that’s the future right now..and a better future at that.
Nothing new the rest of the world hasn’t dealt with. Antigua is just late.
Ride hailing apps came out on top. Get with the program.
Athill, you and your band of thieving and vagabond rogues are beginning to reap the seeds that you have sowed/sown. Disrespect for local clients, disrespect even for tourists whom you treat with unnecessarily rough commutes aa you try to race back to the airport to profit from another fare or to continue your game of warri and/or dominoes. But while you slept snugly imagining your indispensabilty, the world was moving on; so too did the nation’s wagon! Monopoly has no relevance in today’s world, except perhaps, as a boardgame, and even that has evolved electronically.
How does this work? Them taxi man want to have more than one plate and limit people that born ya and did the course to obtain a taxi plate. Them taxi man them just bad minded.
It is almost impossible to get a taxi as a local from my house.
Swift is WELCOME.
Do Away With This Association If They Are NOT Progressing The Tourism Sector Of Antigua and Barbuda. I Find This To Be The ACTUAL Detriment To This Industry As We Attempt To Keep The Winning Curve Of Tourism In Our Limited Economy. The Government Should Force You To Create Your Own App Since Yall Wanna Run Things And Have A Monopoly. Then We Can Really See All This Antics Athill Had This Morning Get Put To Good Use, PROJECT MANAGEMENT. And If He Isnt Capable Of Organizing Such, He’s Got To Go Too.
Taxi Drivers Operate Just Like Truck Drivers. Sense Of Entitlement And Lazy Behavior. Solely Dependant On Word Of Mouth And Years Of Service Like Its A Badge To Be Worn. Either You Here To Make Money At The Convenience Of Your Clients Or Get Left Behind In The Stone Age.
Why They Don’t Go Attack The Luxury, Private Transfer Businesses That People Rather Spend Top Dollar For Than To Be Robbed By Greedy, Aged, Slimeballs… 🙄🙄🙄
While we are at it. We need a National bus system with a schedule like all civilized countries. For too long the taxi drivers have held the people of this country to ransom. Ask Willikies and Freetown people how they have suffered. If you join the English Harbour bus and when it gets to Liberta, you are the only person going to English Harbour, they put you off there and you have to wait for another bus. Total crap. And government after government has allowed this abuse for votes. Time has long past for a national bus system. Let’s see if their shabby service of the current buses will survive with competition.
Athill all yout usual people that book you year after year will continue to book you… nothing at all is wrong with a change… all the taxi members that are worried need to do is join the swyft… year over year the taxi association have the same gripe and then add more and more taxi to the association but they not improving their service… very few taxi men can see beyond their nose…