Authority Plans Proper Fare Model For Carriers

Chief executive Piantedosi lauds help from carrier association and Commerce Commission

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is now in the process of introducing a proper fare model for all licenced carriers on our roads. They have issued information forms for carrier drivers to fill out.

“Because these are public service vehicles carrying members of the public, they must also come under a prescribed fare structure that properly reflects the important service they perform,” said LTA chief executive officer, Carmine Piantedosi. He acknowledged the help from the Fiji Carriers Association who had worked with the Commerce Commission in compiling relevant data for the past six months.

According to LTA, the current practice sees carrier operators charging fares on an ad hoc basis, based on verbal agreements between drivers and passengers

“LTA, with the help of the Commerce Commission is now formulating a proper service fee model that should be fair on both passengers and carrier drivers and is similar to fare structures for other PSV operators such as buses and taxis,” Mr Piantedosi said.

There have been six public consultations between LTA and carrier operators since last year to gather data. There are close to 300 licensed carrier operators around the country.

On Tuesday June 6, a second round of consultations will take place at the Suva accommodation centre at the Suva Market from 11am, and another at Korovou from 7pm. On Wednesday June 7, another session will be held at Makoi at 10am, and another at the Nausori Market at 1pm. On June 13 the LTA will hold two more sessions – one in Wainibuka from 10am and a final one in Dawasamu from 1pm.