Fiji’s Taxi Revolution: Will the Open-Base System Survive?

The Transport Ministry in Fiji is set to make a crucial decision regarding the implementation of a new taxi service system across various towns and cities. Ro Filipe Tuisawau, the Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, acknowledged the concerns voiced by taxi drivers about the existing open-base system and has communicated these issues to the Land Transport Authority (LTA).

Minister Tuisawau expressed awareness of the ongoing debate surrounding the open-base system, stating, “We are taking these concerns on board, and the LTA will be coming up with a system that is most suitable. That announcement will be made soon.”

Vijen Prasad, president of the Fiji Zone Taxi Association, defended the open-base system, noting its positive impact on service delivery in cities like Lautoka and Nadi. He argued that eliminating this system could adversely affect customers, who should always be the priority in taxi services. “Removing the open-base system will really affect customers,” Prasad emphasized, highlighting that the current setup provides equal opportunities for both zone taxi drivers and base taxi drivers.

Prasad further elaborated that while some drivers prefer a return to a base system, this may not be feasible in areas dominated by zone taxis. He remarked, “Right now, it is a level playing field and the only one who gains the most here is the customer.” Additionally, he cautioned against penalizing zone taxi drivers, stressing that a return to a more restrictive system would significantly impact their ability to serve customers effectively.

This ongoing discourse about the taxi service system reflects a broader concern for customer service and operational efficiency within the transportation sector. A hopeful outcome would see the LTA adopting a solution that balances the needs of both drivers and passengers, ensuring improved service delivery across Fiji’s growing urban landscape.

In summary, the future of taxi services in Fiji is under careful consideration, aiming to create a system that prioritizes customer satisfaction while addressing the concerns of drivers.