Govt Lifts Freeze On Taxi Permits

The Cabinet, in its meeting on Tuesday, October 3, endorsed the lifting of the freeze on Public Service Vehicle (PSV) per­mits.

This decision followed a submis­sion by the Minister for Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau.

Ro Filipe said this included Li­censed Hire (LH), Licensed Rental (LR), Licensed Minibus (LM), and Licensed Carriers (LC).

“After nationwide consultations carried out in 2022 and early 2023, the LTA has streamlined its process­es and requirements to improve how it handles PSV permit applications,” Ro Filipe said.

“All requirements, including the ap­plication form, are available at any LTA office nationwide. Comprehen­sive assessments will be conducted upon application completion, ensur­ing LTA requirements are met.”

He said that thorough scrutiny would be conducted to promote wid­er economic participation for the economically disadvantaged.

“We also want to inform the pub­lic that, in consultation with LTA, the Ministry will conduct a market assessment of all permits issued in municipalities, localities, villages, settlements, towns, and cities to prevent an excess of permits and oversupply, which could lead to an unsustainable environment,” Ro Fil­ipe said.

The lifting of the freeze on the permits also means that LTA will accept applications for permit amendments, treating them as new applications.

“The Ministry and LTA are cur­rently reviewing other PSV permit applications such as Road Route Licenses (RRL) and Licensed Taxis (LT) and are consulting relevant stakeholders before the Government makes a decision soon.”

The Fiji Roads Authority continues its ongoing road maintenance efforts to ensure improved road conditions for both private and PSV operations.

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