The One Bermuda Alliance has echoed calls for the Government to provide more information about a plan to introduce ridesharing to the island.

Dwayne Robinson, the Shadow Minister of Tourism, Culture and Transport, said he backed a recent call by the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association for transparency on the Government’s approach to a pilot ridesharing programme.

A transport ministry spokeswoman insisted today that in modernising options for getting around the island, the Government will aim to make sure that taxi operators are “placed at the forefront of the service model”.

Mr Robinson said earlier: “The reason we are even aware that ridesharing legislation was being brought forward is due to my previous parliamentary questions in the House of Assembly.

“Prior to that, the Government was reluctant to share any updates on the particular pledge. This is not the way to engage in meaningful consultation.

“The two major stakeholders to be affected by this are the customers and the taxi industry, both of whom have very little information on the proposed changes to bring ridesharing into existence.”

Mr Robinson said that while opinions about the concept are varied, transparency on the issue is crucial, noting that the BTOA had raised serious questions about aspects such as insurance and enforcement.

He added: “I questioned the minister on whether insurers were on board for these legislative changes and the minister did not give a direct answer. This is a crucial part of this potential industry.

“Will drivers be required to obtain supplemental or different insurance as a registered transport provider? Will they have to wait for the legislation to be tabled? If we want the ridesharing industry to successfully enhance our transportation system, why leave everyone in the dark?

“The other big issue is the question of enforcement. The Transport Control Department has struggled to police the industry. How will they manage with additional operators on the road, with a new two-tiered licensing set-up between the taxi operators and rideshare drivers?

“Will rideshare drivers be operating with different operating standards to those of taxi drivers?”

Mr Robinson suggested that the Government look at addressing issues with the taxi system before introducing ridesharing, adding: “There is no guarantee it will be properly regulated based on our performance.”

He added that the BTOA had offered to collaborate on efforts to modernise transport in Bermuda and urged the Government to accept to help bring an outcome that is best for both the industry and customers.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Transport, Tourism, Culture and Sport said today: “Transportation continues to be the No 1 complaint among visitors, and this shortcoming has a direct and significant impact on Bermuda’s overall tourism product and, by extension, our wider economy.

“It is clear that meaningful change is overdue.

“We must commit to modernising our systems now to ensure a more reliable, efficient and visitor-friendly experience.

“As we advance with these improvements, our goal is to ensure that taxi operators are placed at the forefront of the service model.

“Under the modernised system, taxis will be prioritised as the first option for every ride request.

“This approach not only supports the livelihoods of our taxi industry but also reinforces a structured and efficient process that benefits operators, residents and visitors alike.

“Modernisation is not simply an operational upgrade; it is an investment in the sustainability and competitiveness of our tourism industry.”

She added: “The new transportation legislation will complement the taxi industry, protect their livelihoods and improve service reliability and availability while maintaining passenger safety as a key principle.”

The BTOA spoke out after a series of posts on the Government of Bermuda Facebook page advised the public about plans to “modernise” transportation options.

One noted that the Motor Car Act 1951 was being updated, stating: “The new law introduces ridesharing, app-based services where approved drivers use their privately owned vehicles for hire under clear regulations.

“These services are run by privately operated dispatcher apps, not by Government.”

In a recent statement, the BTOA questioned what analysis had been done to determine the broader consequences of ridesharing, including its impact on the taxi sector, road usage and public safety.