Maxi taxi service across Trinidad and Tobago was brought to a standstill as operators launched a planned three-day strike, described by the Association of Maxi Taxis of Trinidad and Tobago (AMTTT) as a “resounding success.” Speaking on behalf of Route Two operators, Vice President Parsana Rampersad said that green, brown, black and yellow band maxis had all “downed tools,” leaving no vehicles operating out of City Gate, Sangre Grande or Arima. The action, branded as a period to “rest and reflect,” is aimed at forcing urgent dialogue with the government over a range of operational, safety and welfare issues affecting both drivers and commuters.  

At the heart of the dispute is the enforcement of a 65 km/h speed limit on the nation’s roads, including major highways. Rampersad acknowledged that such a limit may be appropriate on the bus route, which is often congested, but argued it is “not attainable, not practical, not feasible” on the highways where maxis must operate efficiently and safely. Operators also highlighted longstanding problems with the bus route pass system, saying that renewing or transferring passes—especially for special needs users, bedridden individuals, and the estates of deceased owners—has become so burdensome that families are left with heavy debts and vehicles that banks are now threatening to seize.