The first hundred and eighty vehicles of what will ultimately be a fleet of 2,000 new taxis to serve the National District (i.e. Santo Domingo and environs) were unloaded from a Spanish transport ship at the pier in Haina over the weekend. The six passenger vehicles, which resemble fore-shortened mini-vans, will be powered by gasoil, and will be painted yellow. They are also equipped with meters, a bold departure from the meterless negotiations that determine the cost of a taxi ride in the capital. Spain is financing their purchase and the distribution to taxi owners has been assigned by the government to the Technical Transport Office (OTT) and the Metropolitan Bus Services Office (OMSA). Another 300 vehicles are expected later this month, and the entire fleet will have been landed before the Fernandez government leaves office.
