The Labasa Carrier Association is urging the government to conduct an investigation into the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) handling of issues related to carrier drivers’ access. Association members assert that the LTA has imposed restrictions on their operations to fixed routes, a practice that was not enforced previously.
Mukesh Chand, the president of the association, noted that after discussing the matter with the regional manager of the LTA, drivers were instructed to display a “Charter” board to operate outside fixed points. However, they faced warnings from LTA officials and police for doing so. In correspondence with the LTA CEO, Chand was informed that operations are limited to designated points, which has raised concerns among drivers about a lack of transparency behind this regulatory shift.
Drivers like Satish Lal have been struggling to obtain full-time carrier licenses since 2018, experiencing multiple delays in processing their applications. He expressed the need for clearer communication from the government and LTA leadership regarding these issues. Another long-time driver, Ravitesh Chand, voiced frustration, emphasizing that these restrictions adversely impact their ability to serve customers, particularly during the busy festive season when many families in remote areas rely on their services.
In a response, Irimaia Rokosawa, the LTA’s CEO, explained that changes to Section 65 (3) (c) of the Land Transport Act mean that applications for operations beyond fixed points are not being processed. This update aims to maintain fair market distribution and protect the interests of buses, minibuses, and taxis from overlapping services. He reminded drivers to follow approved timetables and conditions, advising them to apply for Licensed Carrier (LC) permits to operate legally as Public Service Vehicles (PSV).
This situation highlights the ongoing need for open dialogue between transport regulators and the carrier community to ensure fair access and to address the legitimate concerns being raised by drivers. With collective advocacy and regulatory clarity, there is hope for a resolution that meets the needs of both carrier operators and the communities they serve.
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