Members of the Labasa Taxi Association are urging authorities and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to take action against illegal operators using private vehicles, commonly referred to as ‘pirates.’ They also appealed to the police to intensify their efforts in combating the illicit drug trade.
Association secretary Sujit Sharma stated that these illegal operators have been undermining the earnings of licensed taxi drivers. He noted that these unlicensed drivers tend to operate at night to evade detection by the LTA or police.
With the Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North taking place at Subrail Park in Labasa, the presence of pirate taxis has become more pronounced. “To customers who consider these vehicles a cheaper option, think twice, as there is no proper charging machine,” he warned.
Sharma emphasized that opting for illegal taxis poses safety risks and contributes to the existence of this underground business. He remarked that the number of pirate taxis has risen compared to previous years, largely due to an increase in car ownership.
Daily commuter, Reshmi Wati, expressed her preference for licensed taxis. “I avoid illegal taxis because legal taxi drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of all passengers, whereas pirates have no such obligations,” she stated.
Additionally, Sharma urged the LTA and police to be vigilant regarding drivers who may be involved in the drug trade, suggesting that younger drivers could be more likely to engage in such activities for quick cash.