The promotion may have also “neutralized” illegal taxi operations, according to Rabby Syed, Saipan City Taxi Association president.
“The local community appreciates our efforts and they know who to call when they need a taxi,” Syed said, as he discouraged passengers from patronizing illegal taxis which, he added, have no insurance coverage.
He again urged the Hotel Association of Northern Mariana Islands and the Marianas Visitors Authority to support their program.
While they usually serve tourists, Syed said local residents should also support legitimate taxis.
“We know the tourism industry has declined and we want to maintain the local market with the residents here,” he told Variety.
Syed said not only members of their association are offering the discounted rate, other taxi drivers have also cut their rates by 50 percent.
“We are doing well. We are getting calls from our customers,” he told Variety.
The special offer will end on Dec. 31.
Syed said some passengers have complained about being charged the regular rate by taxi drivers who are not members of their association.
“I apologize to the passengers who were charged the regular fare,” he added.
According to Syed, tour operators should help disseminate information about their special promotion.
“This is not only for the interest of the association but for all licensed taxi drivers operating on island,” he said.
Their association, he said, are still distributing flyers regarding their discounted fare to tourists and residents.
