Members of the Labasa Taxi Association are urging authorities and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to take action against illegal operators, commonly referred to as ‘Pirates,’ who are using private vehicles for taxi services. They are also calling on the police to intensify their efforts against the illicit drug trade.
Sujit Sharma, the association’s secretary, stated that these illegal operators are impacting the earnings of legitimate taxi drivers. He noted that such operators typically work 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, Sharma highlighted that pirate taxis have become particularly noticeable.
Sharma advised customers to think twice before choosing these unauthorized vehicles, emphasizing that they do not have legitimate meters and fare systems in place. He warned that opting for these illegal taxis compromises passenger safety and perpetuates the illegal operation.
He observed an increase in the number of pirate taxis compared to previous years, attributing this growth to more people owning cars. Daily taxi commuter Reshmi Wati expressed her preference for legal taxis for her work commute, noting that licensed drivers are accountable for passenger safety, unlike their illegal counterparts.
Sharma further urged the LTA and police to be vigilant for drivers who may be linked to the drug trade, suggesting that younger drivers might be enticed by the prospect of quick cash without much effort.