Tabutabu’s Leap Of Faith Pays Off
Rupeni Tabutabu says choosing to establish the Duiyasana Taxis and Tours was the best decision he ever made.
On June 30, 2020 despite the heavy criticism he faced for choosing to form a 24-hour business in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, he forged ahead.
Mr Tabutabu, a native of Namaqumaqua, Serua with maternal links to Nasilai in Rewa is now the Duiyasana Taxis and Tours president.
The 39-year-old father of six said his business started in 2020 with 10 drivers in Lautoka. Now it has grown to 40 drivers.
(First from left) Duiyasana Taxis and Tours president Rupeni Tabutabu with the Lautoka based drivers at Nadovu park in Lautoka. Photo: Salote Qalubau
“At the moment we have drivers in Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki, Nadi, Sigatoka and the latest one in Suva.
“They have their own bases and their own leaders but I oversee the overall business,” he said.
“When we started 2020, in one day we could get five calls, but today when we tallied our calls from last week Monday to this Monday, we are receiving 1,400 calls, that is the growth that our business is facing due to the demand from members of the public for our service.”
He said the vehicles were individually owned by drivers, however they were protected under the business bylaws with each driver paying a $30 base fee every week while the rest of the profit were kept by them.
“From the drivers’ base fees alone, we get about $1,200 a week so that means in a month we are getting $4000 plus,” he said.
He said the company conducts month-end vehicle inspection to ensure the vehicles are up to par.
“We enforced vehicle inspections every month end to ensure the safety of members of the public,” he said.
“Apart from that the drivers have a wellness programme every Tuesday because our profession has them sitting down most of the time so this is one way to keep them active,” he said.
“Wheel tax is inspected, driver’s licences, tyres are also checked along with the engine and the overall condition of the vehicle.”
“My advice to all of us iTaukei, many times we are weak in business but don’t doubt yourself and don’t look down on yourself. If we as a group of drivers can form the Duiyasana taxis business, then you can also achieve it, nothing is impossible.”
Story By: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj
