WORLDWIDE TAXI FOCUS from Jamaica
CABBIE FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES AFTER SHOCKING VIRAL VIDEO
A Jamaican taxi driver has been slapped with a series of charges after a shocking video emerged showing him oper- ating a danger- ously overcrowded vehicle while sitting in a passenger’s lap. Calvin Cameron has been accused of dangerous driving, passenger overload, operating without insurance, lacking the required Transport Authority badge and uniform, and violating his road licence terms. The vehicle itself was also found to be in violation of public passenger vehicle standards, resulting in the seizure of its licence plates. The incident sparked outrage after the video went viral, prompting a joint investigation by the Transport Authority and the Jamaica Constabulary Force. Cameron has since issued a public apology. Transport Authority MD, Ralston Smith, expressed his shock at the driver’s reckless behavior and warned of potential further disciplinary action. Both authorities have vowed to increase surveillance of public passenger vehicles to prioritise public safety.
from UAE
COUPLE JAILED FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY OF AFFECTION IN DUBAI TAXI
An Indian couple has been sentenced to one year in prison by a Fujairah court for engaging in public displays of affection inside a taxi. Bani Bent and Anis Balnabar were arrested after a cabbie witnessed them hugging and kissing in the backseat of his vehicle. The couple, who were on their way to Kalba Park, were reportedly so engrossed in their actions that they were unaware of the driver’s decision to take them to
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a police station. During the trial, the couple admitted to the charges and confessed to
having engaged in similar
behaviour on previous occasions. The court found Bani Bent guilty of facilitating the offence and Anis Balnabar guilty of indecent assault by consent. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the strict public decency laws in the United Arab Emirates
from France
FLYING TAXIS SET FOR SEINE DEBUT AT PARIS OLYMPICS
A floating landing pad for flying taxis was to be built on the River Seine in time for the Paris Olympics, the French government has announced. The controversial project, which has faced significant opposition, will see the pad operational until the end of 2024. Despite concerns from environmental groups and Paris city officials, the government has approved a maximum of two flights per hour between 8am-5pm, with a total cap of 900 flights during the trial period. Private companies, including Paris airport operator ADP and German firm Volocopter, are behind the initiative, aiming to showcase the potential of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft. While four verti- ports have already been established in the Paris suburbs, the Seine pad will be the first within the city itself. Proponents argue that flying taxis offer a low-carbon alternative to traditional transportation and could be adapted for emergency
services in the future.
However, Paris Mayor, Anne Hidalgo, has expressed strong opposition, and the city plans to challenge the landing pad permit in court. France’s
national
environment authority has also criticised the project for insufficient impact assessments on noise, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the flying taxis have yet to receive certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), limiting operations to demonstration flights during the Olympics.
AUGUST 2024 PHTM
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