The chief executive officer of the Land Transport Authority, Irimaia Rokosawa, has acknowledged issues with the current open taxi rank system, suggesting it isn’t functioning effectively. In a recent discussion, he highlighted a concerning trend: the rise of private vehicles operating illegally as taxis. This development stems from a lack of public service vehicles in many areas, particularly rural ones.
Rokosawa’s comments came after Mahend Prasad, president of the Labasa Taxi Association, raised alarms about the unavailability of taxi services in rural communities, attributing this to drivers working out of towns. This situation is contributing to increasing traffic congestion in Labasa Town.
Mohammed Faruk, president of the Savusavu Taxi Association, expressed that the open rank system has negatively impacted taxi drivers’ incomes due to an oversaturation of cabs meant to serve rural areas. Some drivers reported a weekly income decrease of over $100 since the new system’s implementation.
Moreover, passengers have been increasingly favoring private vehicles, commonly referred to as “pari,” for their willingness to accept fares for short distances—something traditional taxi drivers often avoid. This preference has led to a significant disconnect between service providers and customers.
Safety concerns, legal implications, and the need for customer satisfaction remain quintessential in this discussion. It’s vital for taxi services to provide reliable, safe transportation while ensuring drivers are well-trained.
There is hope in the air as discussions are already underway to reassess the taxi service system. Stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate on finding solutions that benefit both taxi drivers and the public. By engaging in constructive dialogue, there is potential for a more effective transportation system that meets the needs of all.
In summary, while challenges currently exist in the taxi service landscape, the initiation of dialogue and reassessment suggests a promising path forward toward improving service and safety for everyone involved.
Leave a comment