The Land Transport Authority (LTA) says it carried out nationwide public consultations ahead of rolling out changes to Fiji’s taxi regulatory framework, pushing back on social media claims that the reforms were imposed without public input. Acting CEO Makitalena Drova told reporters the transition from the Open Taxi Rank System (OTRS) to the new Base and Stand System followed “a structured, evidence-based and consultative process.”
“Nationwide consultations were carried out from October 28 to 31, 2024, allowing stakeholders from across all divisions to participate and provide feedback on the proposed changes,” Ms Drova said, describing the sessions as central to shaping the current taxi framework. She said the LTA conducted the consultations in four locations: the Northern Division, Lautoka in the Western Division, Nausori Village Community Hall in the Eastern Division, and the FTA Hall in the Central Division.
Ms Drova also outlined a public awareness push in the weeks before the consultations. “In the lead-up to these public sessions, the authority initiated an awareness campaign in October 2024, utilising various media outlets to reach the public effectively. Public notices were shared and published in the news media, flyers were distributed widely and shared on LTA’s official social media channels, ensuring nationwide participation,” she said.
The authority said feedback collected during the sessions played a key role in refining the operation of the Base and Stand System, which replaces the former OTRS arrangement. While the LTA did not disclose detailed changes arising from the consultations, it emphasised that stakeholder input helped shape the implementation approach now being rolled out across divisions.
Addressing misinformation circulating online, Ms Drova said some social media accounts had shared inaccurate claims about the process. She reiterated that the consultations were conducted openly and extensively, and that the LTA had sought to ensure broad public awareness ahead of the meetings.
As the implementation proceeds, the LTA signalled continued engagement and oversight. “LTA remains committed to ongoing engagement with stakeholders and will continue to monitor the implementation of the new system, with public and industry feedback expected to guide future improvements,” Ms Drova said. The statement frames the consultations and awareness campaign as part of a longer process intended to smooth the industry’s move to the Base and Stand model and to address concerns raised by operators and commuters during the rollout.
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