Representatives of Antigua Cruise Port (ACP) yesterday outlined a comprehensive redesign of Heritage Quay’s ground transportation system during their second “Shore to Explore” public consultation, focusing on improving visitor experience and operational efficiency.
The new system proposes reorganizing entrances and exits, creating designated staging areas, and implementing digital registration for all transport providers, in a bid to improve visitor experience and reduce conflicts involving taxi operators at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Street.
ACP Marketing and Communications Manager Elijah James, who led the consultation, detailed plans to address longstanding issues where some taxi operators have resorted to what could be described as ‘harassment of cruise ships visitors’, which is negatively affecting Antigua and Barbuda’s cruise tourism product.
“This exchange of words actually got physical,” James explained while displaying video evidence of confrontations between competing taxi drivers. “All these incidents are happening right in front of the very guests they’re trying to make a positive first impression on.”
Among one of the most shocking examples given by James, during the consultations was of persons solicitating tourists from within casinos and bathrooms.
The proposed ground transportation system would reduce the current five access points at Heritage Quay to three main entrances and exits, with dedicated staging areas for different categories of vehicles similar to the VC Bird International Airport.
“We have to serve 3,000 to 6,000 passengers daily, but we need to be organized,” Director of Operations and Product Development for GPH Eastern Caribbean and General Manager of Antigua Cruise Port, Gasper George stated during the question-and-answer segment.
“Everyone wants to provide services in terms of transfer or taxis, but the existing city structure does not properly protect this process.”
The plan designates St Mary’s Street as the primary drop-off zone for returning passengers, addressing current issues with vehicles blocking traffic during peak periods, and a digital registration system using QR codes would help manage access and monitor driver conduct.
“Everyone needs to register with the system,” James emphasized. “There’s going to be a QR code, and whenever there is an issue with a driver taking three or four bookings, we’ll get an alert that allows us to suspend their access temporarily.”
Attendees during both the tour operators and general public consultations raised concerns about accommodation for larger vehicles, enforcement mechanisms for the new system, and equitable access for different transportation providers including tour operators, independent drivers, and rental companies.
According to both officials, a dedicated area referred to as “Zone 7” would serve as the central location for tour operators, rental companies, and other transportation services, such as bikes and mopeds, to conduct business away from the immediate cruise terminal, reducing congestion and improving passenger flow.
Several stakeholders questioned how the new system would address problems that previous initiatives failed to solve, particularly regarding unauthorized solicitation and conflicts between various taxi associations operating in the area.
“This isn’t the first attempt to address these issues,” George acknowledged, “but we’re taking a more comprehensive approach with dedicated infrastructure and digital monitoring that will involve collaboration with multiple agencies, including police and the traffic department.”
Traffic safety concerns featured prominently in the discussion, with James explaining that the current practice of vehicles stopping in inappropriate locations creates hazardous conditions for both passengers and other road users.
“We’re looking at this from a safety perspective as well,” he noted. “The proposed system includes specific pick-up and drop-off points designed to minimize traffic disruption while maximising passenger convenience.”
Both officials indicated that feedback from both consultations would be incorporated into the final plan before implementation, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is creating a system that works for all stakeholders while enhancing Antigua’s appeal as a cruise destination.
