By NATARIO McKENZIE

Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

TAXI drivers operating in downtown Nassau yesterday backed "relocation" to facilities at the Kelly Dock - a move that will affect 150-175 persons and their vehicles.

Ed Fields, the Downtown Nassau Partnership's (NDP) managing director, said:

"The Downtown Nassau Partnership, working along with the Prince George Wharf Taxi Committee, is in the final planning stages of relocating public transportation vehicles that park along Charlotte, Frederick and East Street north to a taxi holding facility on the Kelly dock."

Those streets, said Mr Fields, would become more pedestrian-friendly as a result. "Traffic flows will be one way, going west to Parliament Street from East Street to Parliament Street from Navy Lyon Road," he explained.

"The existing taxi call system will be refurbished and improved, and an electric call-up system will be introduced." Mr Fields said the changes had followed several rounds of discussions with taxi drivers, adding that improvements will be made to the Kelly dock by its owner and the Government to facilitate the tax drivers.

Frankie Campbell, minister of transport and local government, said the move would not result in any cost to taxi drivers. "It will be at no cost to the cab drivers. It will enhance their quality of life," he added.

"It will include air conditioned recreational facilities and improved bathroom facilities. There will be proper and adequate parking, and there will be a PA system so they can sit down and play their dominos without that fear that their number has been called. That will not take way from the loop that exists now."

Frederick Wallace, chairman of the Prince George Dock Taxi Drivers Committee, said some 150-175 drivers currently work from the dock area. "We would be somewhat, not necessarily relocated, but be given additional parking in the Kelly Dock area and they would give us facilities there; a recreation room and electronic call up system," he added.

"I think it will be very beneficial to us. Those areas will be pedestrian non-motorised areas."