A taxi driver in Fiji was reportedly caught engaging in inappropriate behavior while driving a young girl, an incident that has sparked significant public outrage. The driver was observed watching pornography and making sexual advances during the ride on Thursday night, with the shocking footage going viral the following day.
The Fiji Taxi Association swiftly condemned the driver’s actions, emphasizing that all taxi operators should adhere to the law and prioritize passenger safety. Ashwin Lal, the association’s general secretary, called this behavior “unacceptable.” He urged passengers to take note of taxi number plates and report any suspicious incidents to both the authorities and the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
Furthermore, Lal reminded drivers that using mobile phones while driving is against the law, regardless of the reason for the call. He said, “If there is an emergency, they should stop the vehicle before answering,” highlighting the importance of safety while on the road.
The situation has drawn attention from politicians as well, with Opposition MP Ketan Lal calling on the Ministry of Transport and the LTA to take immediate actions to enhance passenger safety. He proposed several measures, including mandatory in-cab stickers with hotline numbers for reporting harassment, clear driver identification, incentives for installing CCTV or dashcams, and mandatory training on gender sensitivity for all drivers of public service vehicles.
Irimaia Rokosawa, CEO of the LTA, also echoed the importance of civility and respect in the taxi industry, warning that strict penalties would apply to any driver who breaches the code of conduct. He stated that offensive language and inappropriate remarks are prohibited and emphasized the need for high standards in passenger service and safety.
This incident not only highlights pressing concerns about passenger safety in the transportation sector but also reinforces the urgent necessity for stricter regulations and implementations. It serves as a critical reminder of the collective responsibility individuals have in ensuring safe travel environments.
As the community rallies for responsible measures, there is hope that swift actions will be taken to restore trust and safety in Fiji’s taxi services, ensuring that passengers can traverse the roads without fear.
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