Members of the Labasa Taxi Union have cranked into gear as they prepare for the introduction of the ‘Open Rank Taxi System, on April 25.

Union secretary, Sujit Sharma, said all taxi operators were in preparation mode and would seek more information on the new system.

He said the adaptation period would be their challenge.

“We have to adjust to the process governing the open rank system,” Mr Sharma said.

“We need relevant stakeholders like the Land Transport Authority, Ministry of Transport and the Fiji Roads Authority to hold public awareness meeting to explain on how this system will work.”

He said they had a prior meeting with the Minister for Transport, Faiyaz Koya, where they were enlightened about the new system.

“How the system will benefit all drivers with equal distribution of jobs for every taxi operator,” Mr Sharma said.

“We were against this rank system, but now that it has been confirmed, we must adapt and move forward so our industry remains viable.”

In his Revised 2021-2022 Naitonal Budget address, the Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, confirmed that 4222 valid taxi permit holders would be absorbed into the 453 taxi ranks.

Indicating that 135 new taxi ranks would be accommodated into the already 264 existing taxi ranks.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyam said this was the most important change for the industry in the past 33 years.

Taxi operator, Subnesh Chand, was hopeful future awareness programmes on this rank system would be held soon to clarify the process of operations.

Feedback:  sampras.anand@fijisun.com.fj