Members of the Labasa Taxi Association are urging authorities and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to take action against illegal operators, often referred to as ‘Pirates’, who are using private vehicles for taxi services.
They also requested that the police enhance their efforts to combat the illicit drug trade.
Sujit Sharma, the association’s secretary, stated that these illegal operators are negatively impacting the income of legitimate taxi drivers. He pointed out that these unauthorized drivers tend to operate at night to evade detection by the LTA or police.
With the ongoing Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North at Subrail Park in Labasa, Mr. Sharma noted an increase in the visibility of pirate taxis. He advised customers considering cheaper rides in these vehicles to reconsider, highlighting the absence of legitimate fare meters.
He emphasized that riding in illegal taxis poses safety risks and contributes to the perpetuation of this unauthorized business. Mr. Sharma remarked that the number of pirate taxis has grown compared to previous years, attributing this trend to more people owning cars.
Daily taxi commuter Reshmi Wati expressed her preference for legal taxis when traveling to work. She emphasized that legitimate taxi drivers are obligated to ensure the safety of their passengers, while illegal operators do not share this responsibility.
Furthermore, Mr. Sharma called on the LTA and police to remain vigilant for drivers who may be involved in drug-related activities. He pointed out that younger drivers are often drawn to quick cash opportunities without much effort, making them potential offenders.