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Call for Taxi License Reform – FBC News

Call for Taxi License Reform – FBC News

Call for Taxi License Reform – FBC News

Labasa-based taxis and illegal operators have submitted a submission to the Land Transport Authority calling for an urgent review of the taxi licensing process and operation to improve service to the public.

This confirms the problem of taxi drivers refusing short journeys and not operating during peak hours from their taxi ranks.

This allowed illegal operators and outsourced taxis to step in and help transport the population.

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(Source: Fiji Land Transport Authority/Facebook)

Part-time night operator Joseph Jacob says the LTA should issue written permission to illegal operators as they help provide transport services.

“If only we illegal operators could get recognition on paper because most of the time we were stopped by the LTA. They refuse to work. And I already gave my number.

In response, Land Transport Authority chief Irimaya Rokosawa reiterated that the issue raised is a stern warning to taxi permit holders to better fulfill their responsibilities in serving the public, which is also part of the consultation review.

Rokosawa says this will also be taken into account in the analysis when the PSV owner’s permit expires for current owners.

“Permit holders will be required to support LTA’s mandate to ensure that every community has access to public transport. As we have said previously, all of our existing PSV holders will expire by 2027.”

Meanwhile, a public consultation to review the taxi licensing process continues tomorrow in Lautoka.