Decentralized taxis and illegal operators in Labasa have submitted an application to the Land Transport Authority for an urgent review of the taxi permit process and operation to better serve the public.

This supports the problem of taxi drivers refusing short distances and not providing service from taxi-based queues during peak hours.

This has allowed illegal operators and out-of-centre taxis to step in and help transport the public.

(Source: Fiji Land Transport Authority/Facebook)

Part-time night operator Joseph Jacob said the LTA should provide written approval for illegal operators as they help provide transport services.

“If only we illegal operators could have been given paper recognition because most of the time we are stopped by LTA. They refuse the business. I have already given my number.”

In response, Chief Executive Officer of the Land Transport Authority, Irimaia Rokosawa, reiterated that the issue raised was a stern warning to taxi permit holders to fulfill their duty to serve the public better and that this was also part of the consultative review.

Rokosawa said that when the PSV owners’ permit expires for current owners, that will also be taken into account during the analysis.

“Permit holders will be required to carry out the functions of the LTA, which means ensuring that every public has access to general public services transport. As we have previously stated, by 2027 all our current PSV holders will expire.”

Meanwhile, public consultation on the review of taxi permit process operations continues tomorrow in Lautoka.