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Global ride-hailing service, inDrive, says it is determined to stay in Jamaica, in spite of an ongoing clampdown on drivers operating on its platform.

The Transport Authority (TA) has been clamping down on ride-share operators such as Uber and inDrive, prosecuting them for illegally operating taxi services.

"In the last three months alone, we've done several covert and surveillance-type operations that led to the seizure of 273 vehicles illegally operating on those platforms," Ralston Smith, acting managing director of the TA told THE STAR.

Smith said the TA has employed covert tactics in some of these operations, but declined to give details.

Contacted for comment, inDrive said it is aware of the TA's increased activity, "including checks on drivers using our App".

"We've been following the situation closely, and keeping in touch with what our local community is experiencing. At the same time, we are actively trying to open channels of communication with the government, as it is relevant to engage in dialogue about the need to have a special regulatory framework for ride-hailing services," the ride-hailing service told THE STAR.

The Government, last June, announced a 12-month ban on ride-hailing transport services inDrive, Uber, 876OnTheGo, Lyft and Ride Jamaica because of a "national security concern".

Ride-sharing or hailing involves travelling in a private vehicle driven by its owner, free or for a fee. The service is generally arranged using an Internet-based application or website.

Despite the 12 months having passed, the minister has not indicated whether the ban remains in place. Nonetheless, Smith said the TA has adopted a "laser-like focus" as it seeks to catch and prosecute persons who operate these services.

"Operators must apply for and obtain the appropriate road licence," he warned.

"We're telling passengers too, if a white plate vehicle shows up, don't get in. You don't know who is really behind the wheel," he added.

When a car is seized, drivers must pay a hefty fine in court, plus fees to the wrecker and pound, before getting it back.

Smith said that the authority will continue to conduct covert and overt operations.

"Our aim is to protect public safety, and we're encouraging everyone to comply with the law and get properly licensed," he said.

One inDrive operator, who asked not to be named, said he got caught twice by the authority's sting teams.

"I'm a victim. I picked up who mi think was a client... then police stop mi. The person was on the front seat and while I was thinking about how to get out of it, the police ask me what me ago tell him say when the person is from Transport Authority," the driver said. "The second time, mi pick up a client weh mi know, but di same policeman who tek mi car di first time stop mi again and tek mi car again... put it pan wrecker." He said it cost nearly $100,000 to get the vehicle back, covering wrecker and impound fees, association charges and court expenses.

Local drivers, according to inDrive, have "expressed concern" about the situation, which the ride-hailing entity described as "difficult" and potentially "stressful".

"We care deeply about the people who use our platform -- both riders and drivers. Jamaica is an important country for us, and we're committed to staying here and contributing to the regulatory dialogue regarding ride-hailing platforms," inDrive said.

"We've built safety features into the app specifically with our Jamaican users in mind: things like real-time route sharing, ID verification, in-app support, and the ability for drivers to avoid areas they feel unsure about. At the end of the day, we know we're part of a broader ecosystem. As such, we're committed to being a responsible player in Jamaica's mobility space -- listening more than we speak, and continuously working to make the platform better and safer," inDrive said.