Members of the Labasa Taxi Association are urging local authorities and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to take action against illegal operators using private vehicles, commonly referred to as ‘Pirates.’
The association’s secretary, Sujit Sharma, alleged that these illegal operators are depriving legitimate taxi drivers of their income. He noted that these operators typically work at night to evade LTA or police detection. With the ongoing Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North at Subrail Park in Labasa, Mr. Sharma highlighted the increased visibility of pirate taxis during this time.
He advised customers considering the cheaper fare of these unauthorized vehicles to reconsider, as they do not have a legitimate fare meter. He emphasized that opting for a ride in illegal taxis compromises passenger safety and inadvertently supports illegitimate operations.
Additionally, Mr. Sharma observed a rise in the number of pirate taxis compared to previous years, coinciding with an increase in private car ownership. Daily commuter Reshmi Wati expressed her preference for legitimate taxis, stating that licensed drivers are responsible for ensuring passenger safety, unlike pirate drivers who lack such obligations.
Mr. Sharma also called on the LTA and police to monitor drivers potentially involved in the illicit drug trade, warning that some young drivers may engage in this activity for quick financial gain.