The Labasa Carrier Association is calling on the government to investigate the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) recent restrictions on carrier drivers’ operational access. The Association members have expressed concerns that the LTA has imposed limitations to fixed routes, which contrasts with prior allowances for broader access to transport services.
Association president Mukesh Chand shared that following discussions with the LTA regional manager, it was suggested that drivers display a “Charter” board on their vehicles to operate outside of set points. However, he claims that this was met with warnings from LTA officers and police regarding these operations.
Chand noted that when he reached out to the LTA’s CEO, the response was clear that their operations must strictly adhere to defined routes, limiting them to operate only from point A to B. He pointed out the lack of an official explanation for the regulatory changes, especially considering that the drivers renew their access permits every three months. Chand emphasized a perceived inconsistency in the regulations, noting that if these changes were implemented without proper consultation, they may be considered unjust.
Another driver, Satish Lal, highlighted his ongoing struggle to obtain a full-time carrier license since 2018, underscoring the need for clearer communication from both the government and LTA leadership regarding their status. Ravitesh Chand, who has been in the industry for over a decade, voiced concerns that these new restrictions negatively impact their ability to serve customers, particularly during peak times such as the festive season, when remote families rely on their services.
In response, LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa explained that changes to Section 65 (3) (c) of the Land Transport Act meant that applications for operations beyond fixed points were no longer being processed. He clarified that the new policy restricts the definition of terminating points to specific routes, designed to maintain fair competition among transport services and to protect buses, minibuses, and taxis from overlapping operations. Rokosawa urged carrier drivers to seek Licensed Carrier (LC) permits to ensure they are operating legally as Public Service Vehicles (PSV).
This situation highlights a significant challenge for carrier drivers who feel their livelihoods are at risk due to evolving regulations. For many, the call for clearer guidelines from the government is a plea for reassurance that they can continue to support their communities without fear of punitive measures. This ongoing dialogue between the drivers and the LTA may lead to a more accommodating approach in the future, fostering a cooperative environment for public transport regulation.
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