LTA Warns Illegal Taxi Operators
LTA survey reports that Nadi Town is a hotspot for this type of operation
Lack of taxi service is the main cause of the increase in private vehicles providing illegal taxi services on our roads, says Land Transport Authority chief executive officer Naisa Tuinaceva. Last weekend, an LTA team conducted an operation in Nadi where they seized more than 30 private vehicles operating illegally as taxis. Mr Tuinaceva said: “Nadi Town has recorded the highest number of motor vehicles illegally operating as taxis.
“This is because authorised taxis are not providing the required ser- vices to the public.
“We have noticed, especially in Nadi, the demand for taxis is there. People are now moving around 24 hours and they look for transport and when there is no transport, they use private cars on offer,” he said.
“I appeal to the taxi operators that they must provide the service to the public.” However, Fiji Taxi Union president Rish Ram begged to differ. “Whenever a private vehicle driver is caught for operating as an illegal taxi service, they say that there were no taxis in that area to provide services. “We request the public to make official complaints if no taxis are operating in your area; let us know and we will ensure that the taxis are available,” he said.
Since the introduction of LTA’s 582 texting platform last August, illegal taxi operations topped the offence list. A total of 1347 illegal taxi operation complaints were lodged with October recording the highest at 289. Mr Tuinaceva warns: “The message to illegal private car owners is that LTA will not tolerate this any longer.
“If they continue to use their private cars for illegal taxi operations, LTA may consider deregistering their vehicles. It is wrong, dangerous and peoples’ lives are at risk.”
If they continue to use their private cars for illegal taxi operations, LTA may consider deregistering their vehicles.
Naisa Tuinaceva
LTA chief executive officer