The Fiji government is set to return to the traditional taxi stand and base system following complaints regarding the inefficiencies of the Open Taxi Rank System (OTRS), as stated by Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau. Concerns have been raised about the lack of taxi availability at designated bases, prompting this noteworthy shift.
Minister Tuisawau acknowledged that the public has been vocal about the absence of taxis at taxi bases. To tackle this issue, he proposed that the reinstated system will still allow for flexibility, suggesting that taxis might operate from open areas in front of shops, enhancing their accessibility to the public. The goal is to ensure taxis are present when needed, improving service delivery across both urban and rural areas.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) fully supports this transition and aims to implement it in phases. CEO Irimaia Rokosawa indicated that there will be engagements with municipal councils and relevant stakeholders to amend the regulations and finalize the allocation of taxi bases. This structured approach seeks to create a more efficient transport system that can respond effectively to the needs of all communities, particularly those historically underserved by existing services.
The decision to revert to the base and stand system also addresses feedback gathered through public consultations, which indicated strong support for this approach, particularly in light of the operational flaws that emerged during the OTRS’s implementation since April 2022. Reports indicated that the OTRS led to increased congestion in urban areas and a decline in taxi services available to rural communities, with significant impacts on local taxi drivers’ earnings.
As this significant legislative change unfolds, stakeholders remain optimistic about its potential to revitalize the taxi service landscape in Fiji. This move not only aims to improve transport reliability for passengers but also to create new opportunities for local taxi operators, particularly those operating on native Mataqali land, signifying a hopeful step towards greater economic empowerment within communities.
Overall, the forthcoming transition presents a constructive opportunity for reshaping how taxi services operate in Fiji, fostering improved coordination between taxi providers and passengers while promoting a more sustainable transportation network for the future.
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