The Savusavu Taxi Association president, Mohammed Faruk, has reported that the open taxi rank system introduced in 2021 is negatively impacting taxi drivers’ earnings. He indicated that drivers have experienced a reduction in income due to an increasing number of taxis meant to service rural areas.
Faruk mentioned that this change has resulted in a rise in private vehicles operating illegally as taxis. During a public consultation regarding the taxi permit review process, he shared that some drivers have seen their weekly income fall by more than $100 since the new system began.
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 highlighted that the system has caused overcrowding at the taxi base located at the Savusavu Market, which is designed to accommodate only 50 taxis. Since the system’s introduction, the number of taxis operating from the market has surged to 120.
In response to these concerns, Irimaia Rokosawa, CEO of the Land Transport Authority, acknowledged that this issue has been frequently mentioned by taxi drivers across Fiji and confirmed that a review of the open rank taxi system would take place.
Leave a comment