By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

A NEW airport fee system for taxis, buses and limousines has sparked outrage among executives of the tour industry, who say the fees are too high and will ultimately drive away tourists.

The increase, said insiders, cannot be afforded by many companies, and will have to be pushed on to their customers, who will in turn seek cheaper destinations, triggering a decrease in visitor arrivals to the nation’s capital.

The tour operators are speaking of the Automated Vehicle Identification System (AVI), to be brought on stream by year end, according to Nassau Airport Development (NAD) officials. They said the change will implement much needed regulations on ground transportation at the Lynden Pindling International Airport, cutting down on traffic congestion among other things.

The system will also see drivers billed each time they exit the airport’s commercial lane.

However, sources inside the transportation industry said companies having a hard time “biting the bullet” when it comes to how the system will be set up.

According to one company executive, who wished to remain anonymous, the system will only cause tour companies to dig deep into their financial purses to shovel out huge sums of money to pick-up and transport tourists everyday.

“There is going to be a toll type of system for buses, taxis, and tour cars when you leave. To re-enter you have to pay again. If you come into the airport to pick up 200 people and customs and immigration are slow, there is only a one hour waiting max in that area so the driver would then have to leave, and then return and pay again.

“The tour companies were also told that the government has nothing to do with this new regulation.”

The Tribune understands that taxis will be charged $1 per drop off and tour buses and vehicles carrying less than 15 people would be billed $5. Forms of transport capable of carrying more than 15 people would be billed $10. Limos and Town cars will see a $2.50 fee.

“This government,” the source said, “came into power under the guise that Bahamians would come first, this is not staying true to that concept.”

According to NAD spokesperson Shonalee Johnson, the AVI system will require all commercial visitor transportation vehicles to be outfitted with a reader, issued by the company, that will function like a “top-up” system.

This reader will be billed for every time a driver exits the commercial pickup lane at the airport. Each company can then factor the fee into the tourist charges.

The new fees also come with rewards, Mrs Johnson pointed out.

“Now instead of the crowd that gathers at the airport, all of the taxis and vehicles will park in a holding area with restrooms, and places where they can purchase food. Drivers would be expected to stay in that holding area until they are called up.

“Companies will be encouraged to purchase their credit in bulk. In that instance, for example, if they purchase $100 in credit, they’ll be able to get $110,” she said.

Documentation obtained by The Tribune indicated that vehicles not registered with the AVI system will not be allowed in the holding area or in the commercial lane.

Registration for the system will require a completed application form, credit card information, a public service license and copies of insurance documents.

NAD, the documents said, has assessed similar fees at airports around the world and found the fees at LPIA to be at the lower end of the spectrum.