Two significant stories are highlighted on the front page of the Fiji Times for Tuesday, October 29. Opposition leader Inia Seruiratu has criticized Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s presidential nominee, describing it as a product of “vanua politics.” He further claimed that recent changes related to the Prime Minister and his nominee indicated that the Vanua block is exerting influence.
Meanwhile, the University of the South Pacific has sought court intervention to prevent further strike actions related to the demand for the removal of its vice-chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia. The university’s unions, the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff and the University of the South Pacific Staff Union, initiated a strike on Friday, October 18, 2024, although participation was not universal among union members.
In another matter, Land Transport Authority CEO Irimaia Rokosawa has stated that the open taxi rank system is failing. He suggested that efforts are underway to reintroduce the taxi base system, which was eliminated three years ago. Rokosawa pointed out a concerning trend of illegal taxis operating due to a lack of adequate public service vehicles meeting demand.
Labasa Taxi Association president Mahend Prasad has reported that rural areas are underserved, leading to increased traffic congestion in Labasa Town, while Savusavu Taxi Association president Mohammed Faruk expressed that the open rank system has negatively impacted taxi drivers’ earnings. Many drivers have experienced significant income reduction since the system’s implementation.
The ongoing issue of taxi service availability in the capital city of Suva is also pressing, with passengers often facing refusals for short rides due to picky drivers. There is a growing preference for private vehicles, known as “pari,” among some passengers who appreciate their willingness to travel without restrictions.
The challenges facing the taxi industry include safety concerns, regulatory compliance, and the need for improved driver training. Public expectations continue to demand reliable transportation services, and discussions around reassessing the taxi service model are essential for finding mutually beneficial solutions.
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