Haitian drivers make inroads in Dominican public transport, sparking tension

[Dolores]

Haitians have long found work in the Dominican Republic’s agriculture and construction sectors. Now, they are increasingly turning to public transportation, primarily as unofficial “pirate” drivers, a trend that is fueling resentment among their Dominican counterparts, Diario Libre reports.

Dominican taxi and motorcycle drivers complain that these unlicensed Haitian operators undercut fares and avoid paying transport association dues.

“They take our passengers, and they don’t have the same responsibilities we do,” said Alejandro Núñez, a Dominican taxi driver. Many drivers view the “pirates” as unfair competition, noting they don’t contribute to the established system.

Diario Libre reports that the so-called pirate drivers often operate outside the formal syndicated transport associations system, which requires significant upfront investment. Joining a...

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[JD Jones]

Just when you thought transport in the DR couldn't get any worse..........

18 motorcycle deaths in the last few days.

 

[NanSanPedro]

My kid did that for a while, but not anymore. I'm playing the violin for the transport union.

 

[windeguy]

What will the transit mafia do to these Haitian drivers?

 

[JD Jones]

This is really going to blow up soon if steps aren't taken to diffuse the situation.

 

[windeguy]

This is really going to blow up soon if steps aren't taken to diffuse the situation.

Like deport the Haitian drivers, you mean?

 

[johne]

Taxi sindicato is very strong. Won't last long...nor will their cab ..

 

[NanSanPedro]

I think if you do it under the radar without getting greedy, it will last. I'm sure there are Dominicanos/as doing the same thing.

 

[chico bill]

And "they don't have the responsibility we do".
Since when do most Dominican taxi drivers take responsibility. They drive like crap, many have no driver's licenses and who knows if they have insurance?
Plus they drive on shoulders to pass

 

[NALs]

This is really going to blow up soon if steps aren't taken to diffuse the situation.

Any day now someone (almost always a Dominican) in TV, in the radio, in print or online will say the magical words…

”Los dominicanos no quieren trabajar”.

Thank goodness Haitian drivers are increasing. Until now the DR never knew a concho, a motoconcho or a voladora.

 

[Fulano2]

Taxi sindicato is very strong. Won't last long...nor will their cab ..

A lot of bonfires on the streets. Don’t mess with these guys.

 

[Fulano2]

I think if you do it under the radar without getting greedy, it will last. I'm sure there are Dominicanos/as doing the same thing.

Yes in “el campo” I know two. But they operate from 09:00 pm. where the regulars don’t work anymore or hardly.

 

[Fulano2]

And "they don't have the responsibility we do".
Since when do most Dominican taxi drivers take responsibility. They drive like crap, many have no driver's licenses and who knows if they have insurance?
Plus they drive on shoulders to pass

They have to buy a permit and pay monthly fees.

 

[chico bill]

They have to buy a permit and pay monthly fees.

Fine but not all do that I am certain.
And for sure there are many without driver's licenses nor insurance. All you need is just broken down '98 Camry with no brakes.

 

[JD Jones]

31 in one Jeepeta:

https://x.com/i/status/1903089998087249983

 

[Ecoman1949]

31 in one Jeepeta:

https://x.com/i/status/1903089998087249983

Wow! Guiness world record? 😁

 

[NanSanPedro]

Wow! Guiness world record? 😁

not even close