The planned launch of Uber in Barbados triggered immediate reaction from taxi operators, setting off a series of public statements, government clarifications and industry meetings in the weeks that followed.
Traditional taxi drivers were among the first to raise concerns, gathering outside the Bridgetown Port to warn that Uber’s entry threatened to “cripple” the local industry and jeopardise hundreds of livelihoods. Veteran operator Colvin Yarde, who has been in the business for more than three decades, argued that Barbados’ network of about 4,500 taxis contributes substantially to the national economy and that a sudden change in the status quo could have far-reaching consequences.
“If Uber comes to Barbados and uses privately owned vehicles, that will cripple the taxi fraternity,” Yarde said, warning that the ripple effects could extend to insurance, fuel, parts suppliers and the National Insurance Scheme.
Kenneth Knight, of the Bridgetown Port Taxi Cooperative, expressed similar concerns, saying Uber’s model “brings in private cars” that could undercut drivers who have invested heavily in licensing and maintenance.
Almost immediately, Uber moved to calm the backlash. In a statement, the company confirmed that only licensed taxis would operate on its platform when it launched in Barbados, and that fares displayed in the app would be fully compliant with regulated rates set by the Transport Authority. Uber also assured that drivers would receive the full regulated amount, despite some initial testing variations linked to automatic discounts.
“We can confirm that solely the Uber Taxi product will be available in the app and will be exclusively enabled for licensed taxi drivers,” the company said.
Government officials quickly weighed in to reinforce that message. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Santia Bradshaw reiterated that ride-hailing services, including Uber, must operate within Barbados’ existing legal framework and that only registered taxis with proper permits would be permitted on the platform. She emphasised that private vehicles would not be allowed to provide Uber services under the island’s laws.
Within the taxi community, some leaders adopted a more measured tone. The head of a key taxi co-operative suggested that taxi drivers themselves held significant influence over how the new service would integrate into existing transport services, encouraging operators to view technology as a tool that could complement, rather than compete with, traditional taxi work.
Later in the month, Uber Barbados officially launched operations, rolling out its platform exclusively with licensed taxi drivers under the Uber Taxi service. The launch highlighted features aimed at enhancing service for tourists, including advance booking and reserve options, while again stressing compliance with regulated fares and legal requirements.
However, not all concerns were settled. In the days following the launch, Public Service Vehicle (PSV) owners called for an urgent meeting with Uber, citing continued uncertainty about how the platform would affect traditional taxi operations, fare structures and long-standing business arrangements. They sought clearer assurances that established operators would not be disadvantaged.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley later addressed the issue publicly, assuring taxi operators that the Government would ensure fair competition as Uber expanded its presence in Barbados. She acknowledged the concerns raised by drivers and pledged oversight to protect the domestic market while accommodating the new service.
Despite those efforts, tensions persisted into November. Adrian Smiley Bayley, president of the Bridgetown Port Taxi Cooperative, accused Uber and its franchise owner, Go Capita, of defying a government directive prohibiting pickups at the Bridgetown Port, a key source of business for local taxi drivers.
Bayley said cruise ship passengers had declined taxis and instead taken Uber vehicles outside the port gates, arguing that this ran contrary to instructions given by Prime Minister Mottley during a meeting with taxi representatives.
“This will not go away till we get some sort of level playing field,” Bayley said.
In response, Uber issued a statement maintaining that it was complying with the restriction.
“Uber confirms the port area has been excluded from our service zone since October 23, 2025, through the implementation of a precise geographical boundary (geofence). Our review indicates no trips originating from within this exclusion boundary, verifying compliance with our commitment. We reaffirm our readiness to meet with the taxi associations at their earliest convenience.”
