The Labasa Taxi Association has expressed urgent concerns regarding an alarming rise in illegal taxi operations, often referred to as “pirate taxis.” This issue has become particularly pronounced during early morning hours, coinciding with the arrival of inter-island ferries, leading to an overwhelming presence of unlicensed operators at the Labasa market and bus stand area.
Mahen Prasad, the Chair of the Association, highlighted the adverse impacts on the livelihoods of registered taxi drivers, noting that these illegal operators frequently outnumber legal taxis. He appealed to both the police and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for increased enforcement actions, stressing that private vehicles are operating as taxis without any oversight, while legitimate taxi operators diligently pay stand fees and follow strict regulations.
Prasad emphasized the significance of adhering to established procedures, mentioning that only 40 taxis are permitted to operate from the market taxi stand despite 185 licensed taxis actively paying fees to operate within Labasa. He voiced concerns about an individual, known to authorities, allegedly coordinating these illegal operations when inter-island buses arrive, exacerbating the situation.
Samuela Ligairi, Special Administrator of Labasa Town Council, confirmed the issue’s seriousness and stated efforts are underway to strengthen enforcement. Currently, town enforcement officers only address illegal parking and non-compliance with parking meters, but they are progressing with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LTA to empower town officers to tackle illegal taxi operations more effectively. This collaboration aims to address a broader range of issues, including reckless driving and congestion caused by improperly parked vehicles.
The concerns raised by the Labasa Taxi Association echo similar sentiments from taxi associations across Fiji, such as in Lautoka and other regions, where the proliferation of illegal taxi services has been reported. The rise of these unauthorized operators not only jeopardizes the income of licensed drivers but can also pose safety risks to unsuspecting passengers who may unknowingly choose to utilize their services.
The ongoing dialogue and advocacy between taxi associations and local authorities offer a glimmer of hope. There is a collective commitment to tackling the menace of illegal taxi operations, increasing awareness, and enhancing safety measures could lead to a more secure transportation landscape for both drivers and passengers alike.