Taxi operators in Lautoka are expressing growing concerns over the illegal activities of private vehicles operating in the Lautoka port area. These unregistered vehicles have been reportedly picking up tourists disembarking from cruise liners without the necessary approvals.

Pravin Chand, a taxi driver and member of the Lautoka Taxi Association, voiced his frustrations during a recent meeting attended by police and local council representatives. He remarked on the nonchalant manner in which these private vehicles enter the port, often bypassing regulations that require approved passes for entry. “Most times they go straight in,” Chand noted, highlighting a troubling trend that had briefly subsided but has resurfaced with increasing frequency.

Echoing Chand’s sentiments, Ashwin Lal, general secretary of the Fiji Taxi Association, emphasized the need for immediate action by authorities to curb the presence of these unauthorized vehicles acting as tour guides. He articulated that these private operators are not only infringing on taxi livelihoods but are also operating without the legal permits required for hire services.

West Police Traffic Officer ASP Uttam Naidu acknowledged the concerns raised by the taxi operators. However, he clarified that police intervention is limited, as the port’s management falls under a different organization, which further complicates enforcement efforts.

This situation isn’t isolated to Lautoka; it reflects a broader issue concerning illegal taxi operations across Fiji, commonly referred to as “pirate taxis.” In various regions such as Labasa, taxi associations are similarly urging state authorities to crack down on these illicit vehicles that undercut legitimate taxi businesses and pose potential safety risks to passengers.

The prevalence of these unauthorized operators endangers not only the financial stability of licensed taxi drivers but also the safety of tourists and residents who may unknowingly rely on unregulated transport services. With increasing calls for action, there is hope that heightened awareness and enforcement measures can pave the way for safer transportation options, thus protecting both livelihoods and well-being in the community.