UPP Offers Incentives to Taxi Drivers, Bus Drivers and Tour Operators

In an attempt to support persons who contribute to and make their living by providing essential services to the tourism sector, the UPP offers a 50 percent reduction in the duty applicable to selected parts for passenger vehicles operated by taxi drivers, bus drivers and tour operators.

Specifically, the UPP have given incentives on:

• Batteries;
• Windscreens;
• Brake pads;
• Tires; and
• Shock absorbers

The purpose of this measure was to prevent the operating costs of taxi drivers, bus drivers and tour operators from escalating.

The UPP further extended the level of relief provided to bus drivers in 2008 as part of a collaborative strategy to keep bus fares to the public unchanged.

After consulting with representatives of the Antigua and Barbuda Bus Association, the UPP government agreed to add new buses to the list of items for which concessions would be granted.

In addition, the UPP increased the concession offered to bus drivers from a 50 percent reduction in the duty to a full waiver of the duty on the eligible items.

As a result of this improvement in the level of concessions, the bus drivers agreed to keep the bus fares unchanged.