KINGSTON, Jamaica— Taxi operators in downtown Kingston are split over the decision to withdraw their services on Monday with an almost equal number parking their vehicles as well as operating.

In the Parade area, the usual hustle and bustle of scores of taxi operators jostling for passengers is absent but there is not a pile-up of stranded commuters.

There have been several verbal clashes between operators who have decided to continue working and those who have withdrawn their service. However, so far, there have been no physical clashes.

Commuters waiting for taxis at the intersection of Church and Sutton streets in downtown Kingston

On Sunday, there were reports of a potential all-island transportation strike, in response to a June 5 meeting which included stakeholders and the Island Traffic Authority.

The meeting was about potentially triggering the reinstatement of driver’s license suspensions due to accumulated demerit points.

In response to the recommendation, public transport operators have threatened to withdraw their service effective Monday, for five days.

Transportation Minister Daryl Vaz and president of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services, Egerton Newman had urged the operators to remain calm.

READ: All island transportation strike reportedly looming

More to come.