Barranquilla, Colombia – In the heart of a bustling city, where yellow cabs line the streets like arteries pumping life into the daily rhythm, a new opportunity emerges. It is a plan built on dreams, driven by determination, and designed to uplift those who serve the city tirelessly. With the introduction of the TaxiChévere program, the wheels of change are turning.
Through the lens of this new initiative, Barranquilla’s taxi drivers are not just workers; they are future owners. In a bold move, the local government offers taxi drivers the chance to own their vehicles—an opportunity to claim not just financial stability, but dignity, freedom, and pride.
Affordable Loans: A Road to Ownership
For too long, many of Barranquilla’s taxi drivers have navigated streets in vehicles owned by others, working tirelessly, yet never fully claiming the fruits of their labor. Now, through TaxiChévere, they are being handed the keys to a new chapter in their lives.
The program offers two types of loans, catering to different needs:
- Up to $14 million COP for drivers eager to purchase a brand-new, gas-powered taxi.
- Up to $7.3 million COP for those seeking to upgrade or enhance their current vehicles.
These loans are more than numbers—they are stepping stones to independence, bringing modern, environmentally friendly taxis onto the streets. The initiative, in partnership with the Área Metropolitana de Barranquilla (AMB), doesn’t just promise new cars; it promises a new beginning.
Driving Towards Sustainability: A Cleaner Future for All
In a world where pollution and climate change darken the horizon, TaxiChévere is a beacon of hope. Each new vehicle purchased under this program will be powered by natural gas, a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to gasoline or diesel.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these natural gas vehicles reduce harmful particulate emissions, safeguarding the air that children, families, and future generations will breathe. This is not just about modernizing the taxi fleet; it’s about protecting the very health of Barranquilla’s citizens.
For taxi drivers, the benefits go beyond environmental impact. Gas-powered taxis are not only greener but also leaner on the wallet. By switching to gas, drivers can cut their fuel costs by up to 50% compared to gasoline, and by 35% compared to diesel. More savings, less pollution—a win for the city and a win for those behind the wheel.
A Simple Path to Loan Approval: Taxi Drivers Step Into Ownership
Owning a taxi may feel like a distant dream for many, but with TaxiChévere, the path is clear and attainable. The program’s loan application process is designed to be straightforward, ensuring that drivers—those who know the streets better than anyone—can focus on what matters most: improving their livelihood.
To qualify for a loan, applicants must meet a few basic requirements:
- Be a natural person (not a business entity).
- Provide a copy of their national ID (cedula), enlarged to 150%.
- Have a clean credit record, with no reports in Datacrédito.
- Secure a pre-approved loan from a financial institution.
The Área Metropolitana de Barranquilla (AMB) has made it easy to apply, offering both an in-person option and an online submission process via email at taxichevere@ambq.gov.co. This means taxi drivers can step away from their busy routes, knowing that the road to ownership doesn’t require endless paperwork or bureaucratic hurdles.
Building a Stronger Barranquilla, One Taxi at a Time
This initiative isn’t just about putting more taxis on the road; it’s about putting better taxis on the road. Taxis that reflect the pride of a city committed to progress. TaxiChévere stands as a testament to Barranquilla’s belief in its people, its drivers, and its future.
As Mayor Alejandro Char expressed in his announcement, “With TaxiChévere, many drivers will become owners of their own vehicles. This is more than a financing model—it’s a step toward a better life, a higher quality of service, and a city we can all be proud of.”
Imagine the streets of Barranquilla, lined not just with taxis, but with vehicles that represent independence and perseverance. Taxis driven by individuals who own their journeys, both on the road and in life.
Conclusion: A Future Owned, a Journey Shared
In the still of the night, when the city’s traffic begins to slow, a taxi driver might glance into the rearview mirror and see not just passengers, but the reflection of their future. A future where they own the seat they sit in, the car they drive, and the life they are building.
TaxiChévere is more than a financial program; it’s a promise. A promise to Barranquilla’s drivers that their hard work is seen, their contribution is valued, and their future is brighter than ever. For the drivers of this city, the road ahead has never looked more inviting.
