Carrier Drivers Protest LTA Restrictions

The Labasa Carrier Association wants Government to investigate why the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has not resolved issues surrounding carrier drivers' access.

Members claim LTA has restricted operations to fixed routes, despite allowing broader access in the past.

Association president Mukesh Chand said that after raising the issue with the LTA regional manager, drivers were told to display a "Charter" board on vehicles to operate beyond fixed points.

However, Mr Chand alleges drivers were later warned by LTA officers and police.

"When I emailed the LTA CEO last week, he replied that we can only operate from point A to B," Mr Chand said.

Association president Mukesh Chand said that after raising the issue with the LTA regional manager, drivers were told to display a "Charter" board on vehicles to operate beyond fixed points.

However, Mr Chand alleges drivers were later warned by LTA officers and police.

"When I emailed the LTA CEO last week, he replied that we can only operate from point A to B," Mr Chand said.

"No official written explanation has been provided for this change, even though we renew our access permits every three months.

"There seems to be a double standard that requires investigation. If the Government made this regulation without consultation, it is unjustified."

Driver Satish Lal from Vunivau said he had been waiting for a full-time carrier licence since 2018.

"I've applied numerous times, but they claim all applications are on hold. We need clarity from Government and LTA leadership," Mr Lal said.

Another driver, Ravitesh Chand of Daku, has been operating for over a decade.

"These restrictions hurt our ability to serve customers, especially during the festive season, when remote families depend on us," he said.

"The Government must act swiftly to clarify LTA's policies."

LTA response

LTA's chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa said applications for operations beyond fixed points were no longer processed, following amendments to Section 65 (3) (c) of the Land Transport Act.

"The revised policy defines terminating points as routes from A to B, with stops allowed between these points," the CEO said.

"This ensures fair market distribution, safeguarding buses, minibuses, and taxis from overlapping services."

He added carrier drivers must adhere to approved timetables and conditions to avoid penalties for unauthorised charter operations.

LTA is urging carrier drivers to apply for Licensed Carrier (LC) permits to operate legally as Public Service Vehicle (PSV).

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