Commerce Commission issues Notice of Intended
Action to amend ASAC Title 19
The Commerce Commission has publicly announced a notice of intended agency action to amend and renumber Title 19, Chapter 01 of the American Samoa Administrative Code, particularly the section that refers to the Transportation of Persons and Freight.
The proposed amendments are being supported by many people who strongly believe that the owners and operators of public transportation - buses and taxis – should be prepared, briefed, and up to standard in preparation for the busy traffic expected during the upcoming Pacific Arts Festival scheduled to be hosted locally in about 8 months.
The Pacific Arts Festival will be the biggest event ever to be hosted in American Samoa, expected to bring in the highest number of tourists and visitors the territory has ever seen at one time.
According to an announcement signed by Commerce Commission chairman Faleseu Eliu Paopao, the substance of the proposed amendments includes the establishment of new taxi rates, and the requirement that the rates and a photo ID of the driver be posted.
Furthermore, the proposed amendment prescribes all taxis to be uniform in color, prohibits smoking in both taxis and buses, and sets a procedure for applying for a Certificate of Convenience.
The proposed amendments include the prohibiting of tinted windows on commercial vehicles, and prescribing a minimum size for buses which is an issue that has set off a few bus owners and operators who operate strictly with the use of a fleet featuring smaller size buses.
A full text copy of the proposed action can be obtained at the Department of Commerce on the second floor of the Executive Office Building (EOB) in Utulei during normal business hours. Interested persons may present their views thereon in writing on or before December 1.
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