Fiji Taxi Association Pushes for Urgent Safety Reforms Amid Rising Violence

The Fiji Taxi Association is intensifying its call for enhanced safety measures for taxi drivers in light of recent violent incidents. They are urging the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to implement significant changes that would allow drivers to refuse passengers whom they perceive as a threat to their safety.

General Secretary Ashwin Lal emphasized the importance of establishing a stringent policy that governs passenger behavior. He noted the need for a more robust passenger code of conduct, stating, “The current law regarding passenger behavior is too lenient and it needs to be revised.” This outcry comes in the wake of serious assaults on drivers, including two tragic murders in the first months of 2024.

Lal explained that drivers often feel compelled to accept all fares, leaving them vulnerable, especially when they recognize potentially dangerous passengers. Harish Chandra, owner of Regent Taxis in Suva, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that drivers should have the right to refuse service when they identify drunken or aggressive individuals.

This heightened concern for driver safety mirrors sentiments expressed by the community following various assaults, including recent social media campaigns that reflect the urgency of the issue. Speaking to the importance of safeguarding drivers, Lal stated that fostering open dialogue between taxi operators and authorities is crucial for implementing effective safety measures. The public has shown support for these initiatives, understanding that a safer environment for drivers translates to safer conditions for passengers as well.

Moreover, this renewed focus on taxi driver safety resonates with previous discussions surrounding misconduct in the industry, including incidents of unprofessional behavior by drivers that have placed passengers at risk. The community is hopeful that collaborative efforts between the taxi association and relevant authorities will yield solutions that enhance the safety of not only drivers but also passengers in Fiji’s transportation sector.

There is a collective aspiration for progress as the dialogue on taxi safety continues, encouraging those in authority to make the necessary changes to protect both passengers and drivers alike.