Fiji’s Carrier Operators: Balancing Safety Rules and Business Survival

In 1986, carrier operators in Fiji’s Northern Division faced a directive from the Road Transport Department requiring them to remove the back seats from their vehicles. This mandate aimed to ensure compliance with safety regulations following a Supreme Court decision in 1984 relating to the carrying of excess passengers.

Reports from that time indicate that traffic police enforced this ruling by suspending vehicle licenses until the necessary modifications were made. Despite these warnings, many operators resisted compliance, arguing that the alterations would incur unnecessary costs and disrupt their operations. Sant Kumar, a carrier operator from Tabia, remarked that he had invested significant resources to add seats for passenger convenience, only to find himself being penalized for their removal.

Isa Tamani, then Transport Officer Northern, emphasized that the objective of removing the seats was to prevent overcrowding and enhance safety for passengers. The police, under the same regulation, began to actively check carriers and enforce these modifications, which led to a perception of harassment among operators. Rahimat Dean, president of the Labasa Light Carriers Union, voiced the concerns of operators feeling targeted by continually shifting regulations that jeopardized their business operations.

This historical context echoes contemporary conflicts reported by the Labasa Carrier Association regarding restrictions imposed by the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Currently, carriers are contesting limitations confining them to fixed routes, which contrasts with previous more flexible access. The association is advocating for government intervention to clarify these regulations, similar to bygone disputes that defined the operational landscape for transport providers.

Ultimately, these events highlight an ongoing struggle between regulatory compliance and the livelihood of carrier operators. The hope remains that through open dialogue, a balanced approach can be achieved, allowing for safe, fair transport options that benefit both operators and the communities reliant on their services.