A disturbing incident involving a taxi driver in Fiji has ignited widespread public outrage after it was reported that he engaged in inappropriate behavior while transporting a young girl. On Thursday night, the driver was seen watching pornography and making unwanted sexual advances during the ride, with the horrifying video rapidly gaining traction online the following day.
The Fiji Taxi Association swiftly denounced the driver’s actions, labeling them “unacceptable.” General Secretary Ashwin Lal stressed the need for compliance with regulations while prioritizing the safety and comfort of passengers. He urged travelers to be vigilant, reminding them to take note of taxi number plates and report any suspicious activity to appropriate authorities, including the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
Lal also highlighted that using mobile phones while operating a vehicle is illegal, regardless of the situation. He remarked, “If there is an emergency, they should stop the vehicle before answering,” underscoring the critical importance of road safety.
The incident has attracted the attention of political figures as well. Opposition MP Ketan Lal has called upon the Ministry of Transport and the LTA to take urgent steps to bolster passenger safety measures. He proposed several solutions, such as requiring in-cab stickers displaying hotline numbers for reporting harassment, clear identification for drivers, providing incentives for the installation of CCTV or dashcams, and implementing mandatory gender sensitivity training for public service vehicle drivers.
Irimaia Rokosawa, CEO of the LTA, echoed the sentiment for greater civility and respect within the taxi industry. He warned that strict penalties would be enforced against drivers who violate the code of conduct, emphasizing that offensive language and inappropriate comments are not tolerated. Rokosawa also called for adherence to high standards in terms of passenger service and safety.
This troubling incident brings to the forefront significant concerns regarding passenger safety in Fiji’s transportation sector, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced regulations and thorough enforcement. As the community mobilizes for improved measures, there is a strong sense of hope that effective actions will be taken to restore trust and ensure a safe travel environment for all passengers.
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