The implementation of the open taxi rank system in 2021 has been detrimental to many taxi drivers’ earnings, according to Mohammed Faruk, president of the Savusavu Taxi Association. He stated that drivers have experienced a drop in their income due to the increased number of taxis intended for rural service.
Faruk highlighted that this shift has also led to a rise in private vehicles acting as illegal taxis. During a public consultation focused on reviewing the taxi permits process, he mentioned that some drivers have reported a loss of over $100 in weekly income since the system was introduced.
“We have brought this issue to light, but we feel powerless to make any changes unless the system is abolished,” he noted. Additionally, he indicated that the system has caused congestion at the taxi base located at the Savusavu Market.
“The market base, which can accommodate only 50 taxis, is now overwhelmed with 120 taxis operating from the site since the implementation of the system in 2021,” he explained.
In response, Irimaia Rokosawa, CEO of the Land Transport Authority, acknowledged that this concern is frequently voiced by taxi drivers across Fiji and assured that a review of the open rank taxi system would take place.
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