The Labasa Carrier Association is urging government officials to investigate the Land Transport Authority’s (LTA) recent restrictions affecting carrier drivers’ access. Drivers are expressing frustration that their operations have been limited to fixed routes, contrasting with the more flexible access they enjoyed in the past.
Association president Mukesh Chand explained that discussions with the LTA regional manager initially suggested the drivers could operate beyond designated points if they displayed a “Charter” board on their vehicles. However, he claims that this information was later contradicted by warnings from both LTA officers and police. In a recent email inquiry to the LTA CEO, Chand received confirmation that operations were restricted only to the designated endpoints.
Chand also pointed out that despite renewing their access permits every three months, there has been no formal explanation for these changes in policy. The association perceives this situation as creating an unjust “double standard” and is calling for the government to clarify any recent regulations enacted without consultation.
Driver Satish Lal has been waiting for a permanent carrier license since 2018, stating that despite multiple applications, he has been told that all applications are currently on hold. Fellow driver Ravitesh Chand emphasized that these restrictions ultimately impact their ability to serve customers, particularly during busy periods like the festive season, when many families in remote areas depend on their services. He also urged the government to clarify the LTA’s policies promptly.
In response, LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa explained that amendments to the Land Transport Act have resulted in the cessation of processing applications for operations beyond fixed points. He clarified that the revised policies are designed to ensure fair competition among various transport services, protecting buses and taxis from overlapping operations. He urged carrier drivers to apply for Licensed Carrier (LC) permits to operate legally as Public Service Vehicles (PSV) and to adhere to approved timetables.
In summary, the concerns raised by the Labasa Carrier Association highlight a significant industry challenge, prompting calls for clarity and communication in policy changes. The dialogue between the association and LTA points towards a potential pathway for a mutually beneficial resolution that could enable carrier drivers to better serve their communities.
This situation underscores the importance of clear communication between regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders to ensure their seamless operations while maintaining fair competition. It is hopeful that with ongoing discussions, a solution can be found that addresses the needs of the carriers and the communities they serve.
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