Tourist taxi drivers announce protest against Intrant measures

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Confederation of Tourist Taxi Drivers (Codotatur) warned that it will launch street protests in response to the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (Intrant) granting tourist licenses to drivers allegedly operating illegally in Arroyo Barril (Samaná) and Bayahibe (La Romana).

Codotatur president Santiago Zamora accused Intrant of violating Law 63-17 by authorizing these licenses without following the legally established process. He argued that the institution ignored proper procedures to favor interests known only to its director. This week, the union plans to file a formal complaint to contest the decision, which they say puts at risk the livelihood of long-standing licensed drivers.

Zamora stressed that Codotatur members have operated for over 40 years, pay taxes, follow regulations, and provide safe, high-quality service. Yet, despite submitting all requirements for license renewals more than three years ago, they have not received them—while so-called “pirate” drivers have. He also criticized the contradiction between the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to penalize unlicensed taxis and Intrant’s alleged support for them. The union has alerted its members and is prepared to block major tourist routes if necessary.