The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is addressing a pressing challenge in the Northern Division, where many taxi permit holders and their drivers are failing to meet the requirement of providing 24-hour service. This issue was brought to light by LTA’s chief operating officer, Faiyum Ali, in response to concerns raised by community member Sunia Vea regarding the increase in “pirate taxis,” particularly in Labasa during the evening hours after 5 PM.
Ali highlighted that despite ongoing collaborations with local police to enforce regulations, most taxi drivers operate only during limited hours, typically from morning to around 6 PM. Data analysis reveals a mismatch between public demand and taxi availability, particularly in rural regions where many drivers are selective about the passengers and trips they accept.
Vea’s comments indicated that the lack of available taxis drives locals towards “pari” drivers, who offer lower fares and are more willing to undertake short trips often turned down by licensed taxi services. This trend underscores a significant gap between community needs and the existing taxi service framework.
To rectify this situation, Ali emphasized that taxi operators must embrace their responsibility to accommodate all passengers. He announced an ongoing review of taxi permit regulations, aiming to make the permit system more accessible. Community involvement in public consultations regarding the taxi permit process has been encouraged, as it will help shape policies that better meet public demand.
This problem reflects wider discussions about the inefficiencies of the current taxi systems in various regions, including the challenges of open taxi ranks, as noted by LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa. Feedback from taxi associations emphasizes the need for improved structure in service delivery to mitigate reliance on illegal operations.
The engagement of stakeholders in seeking solutions shows promise for developing a more reliable and efficient taxi service. These improvements could lead to a decrease in illegal taxi usage, fostering a safer transportation environment for all. Collaborative efforts are needed to elevate service quality and ensure that the needs of both drivers and passengers are prioritized and addressed.
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