RALPH BANWARIE
GML Correspondent
Some maxi taxi operators from the Red Band route operating from the Sangre Grande Maxi Hub returned to work early this morning, despite a planned three-day protest.
The drivers turned up at the Maxi Hub and along the Eastern Main Road, Sangre Grande, to resume operations.
The maxi taxi drivers, who previously occupied one side of the Eastern Main Road, were informed by Sangre Grande police officers that they would no longer be able to park there from today and would have to use the Maxi Hub on Brierley Street, Sangre Grande.
When Guardian Media visited the hub, several maxi taxis had already arrived, with some drivers saying they returned to work because the protest was not properly planned.
Some drivers argued among themselves that commuters were taken by surprise by the action and said the protest should have been held during the July/August school holidays instead of during CSEC and CAPE examinations.
They said maxi taxi operators should have considered the impact on students sitting examinations.
Many commuters had already made alternative arrangements, including using PTSC buses, seven-seaters and carpooling, with some drivers saying maxi taxis were taking longer to fill.
A few drivers said they continued working throughout the protest period but still supported the concerns raised by their colleagues.
Drivers of seven-seaters said the two days of protest increased their income as they saw an increase in passengers.
