Rabby Syed, the president of Saipan City Taxi Association, said in an interview yesterday that they will meet with CPA board and ask the agency to reconsider its decision to raise the parking fee from $5 to $25 for taxis and buses.
Syed said they are still trying to cope with the suspension of Duty Free Shop Galleria’s fare subsidy.
He added that they will continue to work closely with the government in trying to improve the island’s transportation system and save the CNMI’s main industry — tourism.
Syed said they recently met with Commerce Secretary Michael Ada to discuss how taxi operators can help the government enhance its tourism industry.
The association is also trying to help local residents and guest workers by giving them a 50 percent fare discount.
Syed said they are turning their attention to the local market due to the dwindling number of tourists.
He noted that CPA announced the parking fee hike while they are trying to make public transportation more affordable for the commuters.
He said taxi cabs seldom go to the Saipan seaport.
But there are operators who have seaport permits, he added.
However, he said, if the fee will go up to $25, many of these operators will decide not to renew their permits.
So instead of increasing revenues, CPA may see a reduction in its collections, Syed said.
