Taxi group hold discussions, hints another fare rise

The Fiji Taxi Association are hoping to hold new discussions about another increase in the taxi fare.

The last increase came into effect last year, with a new flag fall charge increase from $1.50 to $2 between 6am to 9pm in Viti Levu and $1.70 to $2.30 for locations outside of Viti Levu.

General secretary Ashwin Ashish Lal said there were discussions among operators about increasing the taxi fare to counter the rising cost of living, tyres and car parts. He said Joel Abraham, the chief executive officer of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) had requested that taxi operators provide them financial reports to assess them and release the new taxi fare soon. Meanwhile, the association has not confirmed a date yet for its annual general meeting.

Mr Lal said: “We had a meeting Sunday in Lautoka where the members discussed the Fiji Taxi Association’s AGM, so we hope to have it by the end of July. The venue and exact date will be confirmed when the financial reports and minutes from the 17 association branches are submitted.

Other issues to discuss at the AGM includes the increase of illegal operators.

“We have seen there is an increase in private vehicles operating as taxis and we discussed the ranking system where we have seen the FRA removing the taxi stand from busy areas such as in front of the Consumer Supermarket in Namaka, Nadi, where there is a need for taxis,” Mr Lal said.

He also claimed the private vehicles operating illegally were owned by schoolteachers or big companies.

They have raised the matter with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) are hopeful that it will be addressed.