SPANISH TOWN, St Catherine:

Louie Burton, head of the Jamaica Association of Transport Owners, has lauded the initiatives which led to the launch of Jamaica's first Taxi Club.

Burton was speaking of the creation of the Longville Park Taxi Club.

"We who deal with the transportation contributed over $25 billion to the Jamaican economy last year, therefore, it must be noted that we are indeed a part of the work force and the aim is to for us to have a better reputation in the public's eye.

Barton said it was for that reason he was most happy for the club, as it would serve to make drivers more accountable to the travelling public.

Founder of the club, Arleen Samuels, echoed the sentiments of Barton, saying taxi operators and commuters should be seen as friends.

According to Samuels, there were 31 taxies plying the May Pen to Longville Park or the Old Harbour to Longville Park routes, and every operator in that number was happy for the formation of the club.