The implementation of the open taxi rank system in 2021 has negatively impacted some taxi drivers’ earnings, according to Mohammed Faruk, president of the Savusavu Taxi Association. He reported that drivers have experienced a decline in income due to an increase in the number of taxis that were meant to operate in rural areas.
Faruk noted that this situation has contributed to a rise in private vehicles functioning as illegal taxis. During a public consultation regarding the review of taxi permits, he highlighted that some drivers have seen their weekly earnings drop by more than $100 since the system was launched. He expressed frustration, stating, “We had raised this issue, but our hands are tied and we can’t do anything unless the system is removed.”
He also pointed out that the open taxi rank system has led to overcrowding at the Savusavu Market taxi base, which was designed to accommodate 50 taxis but is now seeing 120 taxis operating from that location following the system’s introduction.
In response to these concerns, Irimaia Rokosawa, CEO of the Land Transport Authority, acknowledged that this is a common issue raised by taxi drivers across Fiji. He assured that a review of the open rank taxi system would be conducted.
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