COMMUTERS are facing major disruptions next week as several maxi-taxi operators across Trinidad and Tobago are expected to stay off the roads for three days from June 1.In a statement yesterday, the Association of Maxi-Taxi Trinidad and Tobago (AMTTT) announced a planned “rest and reflect” period from Monday, June 1 to Wednesday, June 3, saying the move was intended to draw attention to long-standing concerns that remain unresolved despite repeated promises from successive governments.The association said the action was being taken in response to “the long-standing neglect and unaddressed issues that have plagued our maxi taxi industry nationwide for decades.”Among the key concerns highlighted was the rapid increase in illegal white buses operating on designated solid-band maxi taxi routes. The association said the problem has been exacerbated by the Licensing Office’s registration process for “P” and “T” vehicles and the transportation limits attached to those vehicles.It noted that the implementation of chequered-band vehicles could significantly help address the issue, but said the matter and other related concerns have remained stalled for more than five years awaiting review, rebuttal or approval.The AMTTT is also calling for an increase in the speed limit for maxi-taxis from 65 kilometres per hour to 80 kilometres per hour, a request it said has been outstanding since 2021.The association further raised concerns over the absence of clear policies and guidelines governing the transfer of Priority Bus Route (PBR) passes, including transfers involving amnesty cases, next of kin, health restrictions and open transfers. According to the group, the issue has remained unresolved for more than two decades.The statement also pointed to the need for the development, revitalisation and proper management of transportation hubs throughout the country, an issue the association said has lingered for more than 30 years.School transportation operators were also highlighted, with the association calling for overdue concessionaire payments to be addressed and for clearly defined zones, particularly in Port of Spain, for school drop-off and pick-up services.The AMTTT is also seeking access to thoroughfares and overpasses similar to that enjoyed by Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) buses.Other issues raised include National Insurance System (NIS) contributions for self-employed workers, including maxi-taxi operators, clearer legal guidelines governing radio permits in maxi taxis, safer night-time access for commuters and operators along routes, and revisions to the processing requirements for intra-city passes.The association argued that some of the requirements currently requested for intra-city pass applications are not applicable to the service.While acknowledging that the current administration has recognised many of the industry’s challenges and pledged solutions, the association said operators were still waiting to see meaningful progress.“While the current government has acknowledged these challenges and pledged solutions, tangible progress has yet to be realised,” the statement said.The association said the three-day rest and reflect period is intended to underscore the urgency of the issues facing the sector and reaffirm its commitment to advocating for the welfare and sustainability of the maxi taxi industry.It also appealed to the public for understanding and support during the planned action. “We seek the understanding and support of the general public during this time, as we collectively call for accountability and concrete steps toward resolving these enduring problems,” the association said.Attempts to contact Transport Minister Eli Zakour and Education Minister Dr Michael Dowlath yesterday were unsuccessful.