The Labasa Carrier Association is calling on the government to investigate the Land Transport Authority (LTA) regarding unresolved access issues for carrier drivers. Members of the association claim that the LTA has imposed restrictions, confining operations to fixed routes, despite previously allowing more flexibility.
According to Mukesh Chand, the association’s president, drivers were initially informed by the LTA regional manager that they could operate beyond fixed points by displaying a “Charter” board on their vehicles. However, he reported that many drivers later received warnings from LTA officers and police against this arrangement. An email to the LTA CEO confirmed that operations were strictly limited to designated points A to B.
Chand expressed concerns over the lack of official explanation for these changes, emphasizing the need for clarity, especially since they renew their access permits every three months. He highlighted what he perceives as a “double standard” and questioned the legitimacy of regulations possibly enacted without proper consultation.
Driver Satish Lal, who has been waiting for a full-time carrier license since 2018, stated that his applications have been on hold, leaving him seeking further clarification from government and LTA leaders. Another driver, Ravitesh Chand, mentioned that these restrictions negatively impact their ability to serve customers, particularly during peak seasons when remote families rely on their services. He urged the government to promptly clarify the LTA’s policies.
In response, LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa explained that they no longer process applications for operations beyond fixed points, citing amendments to Section 65 (3) (c) of the Land Transport Act. He clarified that the revised policy permits stops only between designated routes from A to B to ensure fair market distribution and to protect buses, minibuses, and taxis from competition overlap. The LTA is encouraging carrier drivers to apply for Licensed Carrier (LC) permits to operate legally as Public Service Vehicles (PSV).
This ongoing discourse between the Labasa Carrier Association and the LTA reflects a broader challenge in transportation governance, emphasizing the need for transparent dialogue and fair regulatory practices. Advocating for driver access aligns with promoting fair competition and better service for communities reliant on their services, ultimately contributing to a more equitable transport system for all.
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