The chief executive of the Land Transport Authority (LTA), Irimaia Rokosawa, has acknowledged ongoing concerns regarding illegal taxis operating in Fiji, particularly private vehicles acting as taxis. This issue has come to light following a letter from Ashwin Lal, general secretary of the Fiji Taxi Association. Lal accused LTA officers of neglecting to enforce regulations against these unauthorized vehicles, despite being aware of their presence.
Lal has specifically highlighted that many of these illegal taxis are linked to civil servants, businessmen, and ex-servicemen, which raises concerns over the integrity of the transport sector. He also contested Rokosawa’s claim made during a budget consultation regarding insufficient nighttime taxi services, arguing that it failed to recognize the safety risks faced by drivers working late hours.
In a recent email to Lal, Rokosawa stated the LTA would ensure strict enforcement of existing regulations and promised a formal response to the Fiji Taxi Association’s concerns. This aligns with feedback seen from cornered taxi operators in various regions, including Labasa and Lautoka, who have also expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement against illegal taxi operations that threaten their livelihoods.
The issue has been exacerbated by the inadequacies of the open taxi rank system, which has driven many customers to seek alternative transport options—often illegal. There is a growing call for a reassessment of taxi regulations and systems to ensure that both legal taxi operators and the riding public have reliable and safe services.
Fortunately, ongoing discussions between the LTA, taxi associations, and the community suggest a recognition of these issues and the potential for collaborative solutions. This engagement may pave the way for improved regulations, ultimately benefiting both taxi drivers and passengers while addressing the safety and service gaps currently present within the transportation system.
As the situation unfolds, there is hope that a structured approach to transport regulations will enhance the stability and safety of public transport options across Fiji. The community is encouraged to remain proactive and involved in discussions that aim for a transportation landscape that fulfills the needs of all stakeholders.
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