The system is clearly not working: LTA – FBC News

Despite the issuance of nearly 1,400 taxi permits in Lautoka and Nadi, residents are expressing frustration over inadequate taxi services.

These concerns were expressed by Land Transport Authority Director General Irimaya Rokosawa during a public consultation to review the taxi permit process and operations held at the RSL Center in Lautoka.

Rokosawa acknowledges the community’s dissatisfaction, saying the system is clearly not working properly.

It emphasizes the need for stakeholder and public participation to identify the root causes of these service gaps.

The CEO called for collaboration between all parties involved, calling for barriers to efficient public transport to be removed.

Rokosawa says their main goal is to provide reliable public transport, and if there are persistent complaints about the availability of services early in the morning and late at night, it is important that they work together to find viable solutions.

“Going back to our systems, while the previous system was pulling the barrel of taxis, as I said in today’s public consultation, some Fijians qualified but they had no intention of getting into the taxi business. But they applied, they were given permits, and they just sold them, so that defeats the whole purpose of issuing permits.”

Some concerns raised so far include open base taxis, permits, Parisian or illegal drivers, and the creation of bases.

In addition, discussions centered around the need to improve driver behavior and maintain vehicle standards to improve passenger safety and service quality.

LTA is actively listening to drivers’ concerns, demonstrating a willingness to collaborate to find solutions that benefit both the taxi community and passengers.

More than a hundred people are taking part in the consultation.