TOUR agencies are depriving legitimate Saipan taxi drivers of passengers, according to Rabby Syed, United Voice of Taxi Operators president

He said tour operators offer packages that include transportation for tourists while on island.

Most of the tour operators are also engaged in car services, he added.

Syed said the governor should “do something about this,” and regulate the operation of tour operators, particularly those that operate car services for tourists.

Syed said he will also ask Rep. Ray N. Yumul, R-Saipan, to pass a bill prohibiting tour operators from operating car services.

This issue affects the income of legitimate taxi drivers on Saipan, Syed said.

He credits Yumul for sponsoring legislation that allows taxi drivers to use their vehicle up to 12 years instead of 10.

Syed said their group is also lauding the Department of Public Safety for its campaign against illegal taxi drivers operating on Saipan.

DPS Commissioner Clyde K. Norita should totally eliminate all unauthorized taxi, Syed added.

He said their group will continue to report to DPS any sightings of illegal taxi operations on Saipan.

There are only 120 registered taxi drivers on island but the number of illegal taxi has already reached to 100, he added.

Last month, DPS said it intensified its campaign against illegal taxi operators, which resulted in the impounding of 14 cars used by unauthorized taxi drivers.

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