The Fiji Taxi Association’s Labasa branch has expressed its support for the government’s recent decision to restore the taxi base and stand system, which replaces the controversial Open Rank System. The chairman of the association, Mahen Prasad, highlighted that the previous system led to significant traffic congestion in Labasa due to an overabundance of taxis, including those from rural areas, occupying limited parking spaces in the urban center.
Prasad noted that Labasa only has one main road and one bridge, which exacerbated the issue. He expressed satisfaction with the actions taken by the Rabuka government and Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau, stating, “It’s very good for everyone.” He also reminded drivers that while brief stops for picking up or dropping off passengers are allowed, long-term parking in busy areas like the Labasa market or the hospital is to be restricted for those who have paid for stand fees.
Addressing public complaints about drivers refusing fares, Prasad reassured that the association is collaborating with the Land Transport Authority to tackle this issue. He clarified that refusals should only occur in cases where safety is at risk, such as with intoxicated passengers or unsafe conditions.
The reinstatement of the base system is seen as a way to uphold order in the taxi industry, curb illegal operations, and improve service delivery, particularly in rural areas. This aligns with previous discussions from government officials, who recognized operational flaws in the Open Rank System that had been implemented since 2022, which reportedly contributed to inefficiencies in public transport and a decline in taxi services in rural regions.
There is optimism among stakeholders that this legislative change will work towards creating a more efficient and equitable transport network, providing opportunities for local involvement while also addressing community needs.
Overall, while the transition might bring challenges, the collaborative efforts between the taxi association and government entities signify a hopeful step towards enhancing taxi services in Fiji, potentially leading to improved transportation solutions for all Fijians.
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