As the sun sets in Korovou at 5 PM, the town begins to wind down. Taxi operators finish their shifts, shops shut their doors, and public transport options become scarce. However, for many residents who are still stranded in town — including workers, students, and villagers — the day is far from over. One former police officer has stepped in to fill this gap, trading his badge for the role of a late-evening “pirate driver.”
Peni Sovanatabua, a native of Wailotua Wainibuka, has been working as a pirate driver for more than 12 years in Korovou. After serving in the Fiji Police Force, he opted to use his private vehicle to provide transportation services after regular taxis cease operations for the day. His motivation extends beyond financial gain; he aims to help a community that faces limited options once the sun goes down.
“After five o’clock, taxis are gone, but people are still here,” Mr. Sovanatabua explained. “Parents finish shopping, workers finish late, and students are left waiting. I couldn’t just watch them suffer.”
Korovou serves as a key service hub for the surrounding villages, drawing hundreds of people daily for various activities including business, education, and employment. While transportation is available during the daytime, the early closure of taxi services leaves many commuters in the lurch, often forcing them to walk long distances in the dark or to wait for prolonged periods hoping for a ride.
During his time as a police officer, Mr. Sovanatabua became acutely aware of this transportation gap. “My job was to protect people; now I do that in a different way — ensuring they reach home safely,” he said.
Each afternoon, he positions himself near busy pick-up points, embarking on rounds to transport passengers to nearby settlements and villages, while keeping fares low and prioritizing the safety of vulnerable individuals, such as women, schoolchildren, and the elderly. Local residents express gratitude for the availability of pirate drivers after 5 PM, highlighting how their presence often serves as a lifeline.
“A lot of times, there isn’t a van or taxi available,” noted a vendor from Korovou. “Without them, some of us would have to walk for hours.”
However, this informal operation does not come without risks. Mr. Sovanatabua acknowledges that pirate drivers in Korovou face penalties for illegal parking and offering transport services without permits, with fines reaching up to $500 per violation. Despite the monetary risks, he remains steadfast in his mission.
“Yes, we get fined for illegal parking and not having a permit. That can lead to a $500 fine,” he said. “But what should I do when people are stuck? Just leave them?”
He believes that the term “pirate driver” unfairly characterizes individuals who are simply trying to provide a vital service where official transport systems fall short. “It sounds negative, but our intention is purely to help,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Mr. Sovanatabua stresses that a long-term solution must involve improved transportation services, particularly extended taxi hours or night operations in Korovou. “If taxis could operate later, people wouldn’t need to rely on us,” he noted.
For now, he has no plans to stop driving. From badge to backseat, his commitment to serving the people of Korovou remains unwavering, ensuring that even when the town quiets down, nobody is left behind on their journey home.
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