As the clock strikes 5 PM in Korovou, the vibrant hustle and bustle of the town begins to fade into quietude. Taxi operators wrap up their services for the day, stores lock their doors, and public transport options vanish. However, for many workers, students, and villagers, the day is still far from over, and one individual is stepping up to meet their needs: Peni Sovanatabua, a former police officer who has dedicated over 12 years to being a late-evening “pirate driver.”
Originally from Wailotua Wainibuka, Sovanatabua transitioned from his role in the Fiji Police Force to this vital service, utilizing his own vehicle to transport commuters once standard taxi services have ceased operations. His nighttime driving mission arises not from a profit motive but from a deep commitment to assist community members left stranded when daylight fades.
“After five o’clock, taxis are gone, but people are still here,” Sovanatabua explains. He recognizes that many parents, workers, and students find themselves stuck in town without transportation options. Observing this need, he became determined to help, especially as Korovou serves as a hub for numerous surrounding villages, bringing in hundreds daily for work and education.
Daytime transportation may be readily available, but the early shutdown of taxi services creates a gap that leaves many needing to walk long distances in the dark or wait hours for a ride. Sovanatabua, who was driven by a protective instinct during his police career, now finds purpose in ensuring safe passage for others. “As a police officer, my job was to protect people. Now I still do that, just in another way — by ensuring they reach home safely,” he remarked.
To aid the community, Sovanatabua positions himself near key pick-up locations in the evenings, making rounds to offer rides to nearby settlements and villages. He keeps fares affordable while prioritizing passenger safety, particularly for vulnerable groups like women, schoolchildren, and the elderly.
Local residents are thankful for these late-night services, with many describing the presence of pirate drivers as crucial for their well-being. One vendor noted, “Sometimes there is no van or taxi left. Without them, some of us would be walking for hours.”
However, the operation of pirate drivers is fraught with challenges, as they often do so without permits, inviting potential penalties. Sovanatabua highlighted the risks they face, including illegal parking fines and the harsh reality that they cannot provide transport services legally, with fines reaching as high as $500 per infraction. Yet, he remains resolute in his mission. “Yes, we get fined… But that doesn’t stop me. When people are stuck, what do you do? Leave them?”
Sovanatabua criticizes the label of “pirate driver,” asserting that it unjustly characterizes him and others as criminals. In truth, he views their role as essential in bridging a significant transport gap. He calls for improved transportation services that extend operational hours for taxis, insisting that enhanced regular service would reduce reliance on informal arrangements.
“Until that happens, I’ll keep driving,” he stated with determination. Sovanatabua’s unwavering commitment ensures that, even as Korovou slows down, residents still have a reliable way to return home, embodying community spirit and resilience in challenging circumstances.