The Coalition government has initiated the process to abolish the Open Taxi Rank System by passing the Transport (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025 in Parliament. This legislative move comes in light of the significant challenges that arose since the implementation of the Open Taxi Rank System, which was established following the Land Transport (Budget Amendment) Act 2021. The bill highlights how this system has led to increased congestion in major urban centers like Suva, causing a noticeable decline in the availability of taxi services in rural and semi-rural communities.
The government’s decision responds to criticisms that the open system has resulted in an influx of taxis from various districts, aggravating traffic congestion. Residents in rural areas have increasingly turned to unlicensed and illegal transport operators as the official taxi services have become unreliable.
Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau had also previously pointed out that the open system was designed to create fairness and reduce illegal operations. However, its implementation has shown substantial flaws, including greater difficulties for enforcement agencies and adverse effects on vulnerable populations such as women, children, and the elderly, who are finding it harder to access reliable transport.
By moving back to the traditional base and stand system for taxi operations, the government hopes to alleviate traffic congestion in urban areas while enhancing the sustainability of local governance through improved revenue streams for municipal councils. This proposed change echoes the sentiments of taxi associations and drivers across Fiji, who have reported decreased earnings and significant congestion at taxi bases under the current system.
These discussions represent a critical reassessment of public transportation services, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that benefits both drivers and passengers. This legislative change presents a hopeful opportunity to not only address the current inadequacies but also to reimagine a more efficient and user-friendly transportation network that caters to the needs of all communities.
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