‘Measured modernisation’: ride-share legislation goes to House
New legislation designed to open the door to a ride-sharing service was tabled in the House of Assembly in an effort to fill a service gap felt by visitors.
The Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association, however, said there was a lack of data, consultation and policy accountability underpinning the legislation.
Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said that the Motor Car (Ride-sharing) Amendment Act 2026 was intended to expand transport options rather than replace taxis.
He told MPs that the scheme would “augment and complement” the taxi industry, noting that transportation was the greatest concern when considering the island’s visitor experience.
The minister said: “It seeks to improve island-wide accessibility, reduce passenger waiting times and strengthen the reliability of our transportation network across our 21 square miles.
“This is measured modernisation, not disruption. Bermuda must continue evolving its transportation framework to meet the expectations of today’s residents and today’s visitors.”
Mr Darrell said that the 2019 Transport Green Paper highlighted Bermuda’s ageing bus fleet, taxi availability challenges, cash-based fare systems and limited weekend and evening service as problems to be addressed.
He added that between 2024 and 2025, transportation reliability and availability was identified as the largest gap in service in the island’s tourism product.
Mr Darrell said: “While 86 per cent of visitors report being satisfied overall in 2025, transportation remains the most persistent friction point in an otherwise exceptional visitor experience.
“If we are serious about protecting Bermuda’s brand, strengthening repeat visitation, and safeguarding the livelihoods that depend on tourism, we must act where the gap is greatest.”
He told the House that in recent years the Government had bolstered the island’s bus and ferry fleets and introduced Shorelink to help improve service, but it was necessary to “responsibly expand options” in transportation.
Mr Darrell said taxi service was the most widely used mode of transportation, used by 87 per cent of visitors in 2025, but “complete satisfaction” was measured at 50.1 per cent.
He added: “Visitors consistently report difficulty securing transportation outside Hamilton and major hotel zones, particularly during peak demand and cruise ship arrivals.
“Introducing ride-sharing provides complementary lift during high-demand periods and in underserved areas.
“It strengthens capacity without dismantling the existing taxi framework.”
He said that while the legislation introduces a “regulated, cashless ride sharing model through approved digital dispatch platforms”, taxis would receive first preference.
Under the legislation, only those licensed to operate a public service vehicle can apply, with the Public Services Licensing Board serving as the oversight authority.
Vehicles used must undergo “enhanced inspection” by the Transportation Control Department and approved vehicles must display identification plates and decals.
Operators must also have a public service vehicle bag prominently displayed within the vehicle and must connect to an approved digital dispatch network.
The ride-shares would be seasonal, operating only between April and September, with the number capped at 150.
Mr Darrell added: “This legislation is not about replacing taxis. It is about reducing waiting times, improving reliability, strengthening economic competitiveness and responding to sustained, measurable data.
“The ministry is acting not on anecdote, but on evidence collected over years of consultation and analysis.
“Bermuda cannot afford stagnation. We must evolve in step with global standards while protecting the integrity of our local industries.
“The data is clear. The need is clear. This Government will continue to listen and to act accordingly.”
The Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association said the data Mr Darrell provided showed that taxis service the overwhelming majority of visitors, and visitor satisfaction remains high.
The BTOA said: “The minister’s statement references a ‘transportation gap’ yet provides no operational data on actual unmet demand, taxi utilisation rates, trip acceptance or completion rates or geographic service distribution.
“Without this data, the justification for introducing a new transport service category remains unsubstantiated.”
The organisation also said that the 2019 Transport Green Paper had noted systemic challenges and the majority of recommendations related to enforcement, data collection and operational management had not been implemented.
The BTOA said: “To now advance new legislation without addressing these foundational issues reflects a continuation of policy without delivery.”
The statement added: “At its core, this issue reflects a broader governance concern. For over two decades, and across successive administrations, the transport system has faced limited enforcement of existing laws, absence of reliable operational data, inconsistent policy implementation and a lack of sustained industry engagement.
“The introduction of ride-share does not resolve these issues. It risks compounding them. Expanding supply within a finite, capacity-constrained island economy without first addressing structural inefficiencies will not improve outcomes, it will dilute them.”
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