The Land Transport Authority has
challenged Public Service Vehicle operators to provide service to the public
and for pirate taxi operators to enter the level playing field instead of
creating a society of lawlessness. The call comes after the Authority seized 30
pirate taxis (private vehicles operating as PSV) in Nadi over the weekend.
LTA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Naisa Tuinaceva said pirate taxis are filling
in the vacuum created by legal PSV operators who are failing to provide the
required services.
“I am disappointed with PSV operators because we have witnessed several
instances where people have been forced to travel in illegal taxis because
there is hardly any legal taxis in Nadi at night,” said Mr. Tuinaceva. “The PSV
operators must remember the lifestyle in Fiji is changing and people are now moving
about 24/7, so transport must be available at all times. We are challenging PSV
operators to do their part and make our job meaningful.”
Pirate Taxis Are Not Insured
LTA is reminding the public that vehicles which operate illegally as public
transport are not insured and should any accident occur, the victims will not
be able to claim insurance. Also, those who drive illegal public transport are
not qualified PSV drivers.
“While we understand that pirate taxis are filling in the vacuum, we are not
condoning this act as these vehicles are totally unsafe,” warned Mr. Tuinaceva.
“Everything about pirate taxis is unsafe and this includes the fare they charge
the public. We don’t know what type of people are driving illegal public
transport, they can even be indulging in criminal activities and this is
another reason why the public must not use illegal public transport.”
Pirate Taxis – Easy Money
Mr. Tuinaceva said pirate taxi
operators are feeding their families with illegal money and are robbing people
of livelihood which is a dirty tactic and is unacceptable.
“They operate pirate taxis to make easy money but I want to remind these people
that there are far better ways to make a living,” he said. “There are many
other legal business opportunities available and they should make use of these
opportunities rather than indulging in illegal activities. If there is a real
need for transportation in areas that do not have it or where existing
operators are incapable of providing service, then people need to justify this
by writing to us. If the demand is there, we will look into it.”
The Authority has also
come across cases whereby legal PSV operators were seen operating pirate taxis.
Mr. Tuinaceva said this was unfair on PSV operators who were operating within
the boundaries of the system and were paying tax, third party and base fee.
Action Taken Against Illegal Operators In
Nadi
Meanwhile, all illegal operators who were caught in Nadi have been booked
and issued with a warning, and they will soon appear in the monthly Show Cause
disciplinary hearing which is presided
over by Mr. Tuinaceva.
During Show Cause, the offenders will be required to justify why their driving
license should not be suspended or cancelled and their vehicles de-registered as
per regulation. If there is no justification, the Authority has the power to
take away their driving license and de-register their vehicles.
The public is encouraged to report illegal public transport to LTA via free
texting code 582 and email infor@lta.com.fj.