Pirate taxi crackdown and the duty of taxi drivers

One can’t help wondering as to why pirate taxis exist.

The Nausori Taxi Association is helping the Land Transport Authority implement its crackdown on pirate taxis. In a meeting with relevant authorities on Wednesday, the association raised concerns where pirate taxis were taking away their business. The association comprises some 300 taxis.

With the economic challenges, many taxi drivers are finding it difficult to breakeven. And pirate taxis are not helping with this reality.

However, the LTA’s suggestion that the association should create a Viber group and post up pictures of private vehicles, with its number plates of course, is somewhat a good move.

Once these are posted, the members can then get in touch with LTA, and there you have it! Concerns could be resolved in a shorter timeframe. It should also be replicated in all other taxi groups.

A fine of $500 is applicable if a pirate taxi is caught. But one can’t help wondering as to why pirate taxis exist.

One, is the obvious reason that in these tough economic times, owners of private vehicles are looking for a quick buck to pay their vehicle loans perhaps or put food on their table for their families.

With the tough times we’ve faced these past two years, many have had to come face to face with reality – unemployment, redundancy, massive pay cuts and so forth.

Although it is not warranted, these pirate taxi drivers are trying their best to stay afloat, let alone keep their families surviving. Still, no one is the above the law and struggling or otherwise: everyone should abide by it. Consider applying for a permit perhaps?

The other issue that most taxi customers face daily is that some taxi drivers are unwilling to take them to their destination.

Have you ever encountered an incident where, even before you enter a taxi, the driver would ask where you were going? And, if it wasn’t in his or her preference, they would ask you to catch another taxi?

Don’t taxi drivers have a duty, as registered public service vehicles, to take the passengers to their destinations?

We can understand if it’s for safety concerns and if they see a threat from customers, it should be reported.

However, taxi drivers should have a heart and take passengers to their destinations even if it’s not in their preference or not a short run, or otherwise.

Feedback: ranoba.baoa@fijisun.com.fj