Authority cracks down on Nadi’s pirate taxi drivers

FIJI – A total of thirty illegally operated or “pirate” taxis were seized in Nadi by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) last weekend.

In a statement issued by LTA, the illegal operators who were caught have been booked and issued with a warning, and will soon appear in the monthly Show Cause disciplinary hearing which is presided over by LTA chief executive officer, Naisa Tuinaceva

During Show Cause, the offenders will be required to justify why their driving license should not be suspended or cancelled and their vehicles de-registered as per regulation.

Meanwhile, the LTA has challenged public service vehicle (PSV) operators to provide a fuller service to the public and for pirate taxi operators to enter the level playing field instead of creating a society of lawlessness.

Tuinaceva said pirate taxis are filling in the vacuum created by legal PSV operators who are failing to provide the required services.

“I am disappointed with PSV operators because we have witnessed several instances where people have been forced to travel in illegal taxis because there is hardly any legal taxis in Nadi at night. The PSV operators must remember the lifestyle in Fiji is changing and people are now moving about 24/7, so transport must be available at all times. We are challenging PSV operators to do their part and make the job meaningful.”

LTA has reminded the public that vehicles which operate illegally as taxis are not insured and should any accident occur, the victims will not be able to claim insurance.

“While we understand that pirate taxis are filling in the vacuum, we are not condoning their use. Everything about pirate taxis are unsafe and this includes the fare they charge the public.

“We don’t know what type of people are driving illegal public transport, they can even be indulging in criminal activities and this is another reason why the public must not use illegal public transport.

“They operate pirate taxis to make easy money There are many other legal business opportunities available and they should make use of these opportunities rather than indulging in illegal activities.

The public is encouraged to report illegal public transport to LTA via the free texting code 582.

- Fiji Times