The Land Transport Authority has advised Nausori Taxi Association members to create a Viber group and share pictures of private vehicles operating as pirate taxis.

This is after taxi drivers complained of increasing illegal taxi operators who were taking away their business.

There are about 114 private vehicles operating as pirate taxis, Nausori Taxi Associations General Secretary Rup Narayan, said during a meeting with stakeholders, LTA, Police and the Nausori Town Council at the Nausori Club yesterday.

A fine of $500 applies to private taxis.

Mr Narayan said the reason for the meeting was to highlight their grievances and issues regarding the open taxi ranking and private taxis.

There are 300 taxis operating in the area.

“Nausori is a big area, and these private taxis are coming from everywhere to take most of the business,” Mr Narayan said.

“It’s not the fault of the taxi drivers that we charge passengers $15 when the private taxis charge $9.”

“We charge the passengers on the taxi meter.”

Other issues highlighted:
– The association has also requested LTA to review the open ranking system.

– Beef up Police presence because there were a number of incidences where drivers were threatened by passengers and the public.

 
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