Taxi System Shake-Up: Fiji’s Parliament Set to Debate Major Reforms

The Land Transport Amendment Bill is scheduled for debate in parliament today, proposing the removal of the open taxi rank system and the reintroduction of the more traditional base and stand system for the taxi industry in Fiji. Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau outlined the bill, emphasizing the challenges that have arisen since the open taxi rank system was implemented following amendments to the Land Transport Budget Amendment Act 2021.

The open taxi rank system was intended to improve fairness and reduce illegal operations by allowing taxi permit holders to operate from any designated Open Taxi Rank, but Tuisawau noted that its practical application has exposed significant flaws. He highlighted issues such as increased traffic congestion in urban areas like Suva, Lautoka, and Nadi, and difficulties faced by enforcement agencies such as police and municipal councils in effectively monitoring operations.

Particularly concerning is the impact on vulnerable groups, where Tuisawau mentioned women, children, the elderly, and the ill have been left without reliable transport options due to the inefficiencies of the current system. The minister further criticized the limited consultation that preceded the introduction of the open taxi rank system, suggesting that a lack of understanding among operators and the public contributed to its widespread resistance.

By transitioning back to the base and stand system, Tuisawau expects improvements in traffic management through designated taxi operating areas, potentially easing congestion in cities. This change could also enhance the revenue streams for municipal councils, thereby bolstering the financial sustainability of local governance.

This bill reflects a growing recognition of the shortcomings of the existing system, echoing sentiments from previous analyses highlighting rising illegal taxi operations and unmet public transport demands. Stakeholders have long called for solutions that better balance the needs of taxi drivers and passengers while ensuring a safer and more efficient transportation network.

A renewed focus on improving public transport infrastructure may lead to a more sustainable and efficient taxi service that meets the needs of the community. The upcoming parliamentary debate presents an opportunity for meaningful change within the transportation sector in Fiji.