Open Taxi Ranking System Starts April 25

Fiji will now do away with the Base, Stand system, and adopt the Open Taxi Ranking System (OTRS).

For the taxi industry, this is the most important change in 33 years.

Fiji has over a total of 4,222 valid taxi permit holders who will now operate from one of the 453 open taxi ranks–264 existing ranks and 135 new ones.

Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum last night said: “Open Rank System is designed to ensure that service is efficient and reliable while giving the taxi operator more opportunity.

“The Open Taxi Ranks system allows taxis to operate from any rank within their designated areas of operation on a first-in, first-out basis or a “Rotational Basis”. So all taxi operators can pick up passengers in a fair and orderly manner  and avoid illegal operations, particularly, private vehicles operating as public service vehicles. The framework also allows taxi drivers to operate as and when they wish to. The system will be in effect from 25 April 2022.”

This policy does not apply to Private Taxi Bases, which are a commercial arrangement between the taxi operators and the base owners. But taxis operating from Private Taxi Bases will not be allowed to pick up passengers outside of their private base of operation or from any of the 453 open taxi ranks.

The introduction of the open taxi rank system has meant the removal of paid Bases and Stands in Fiji. The fees formerly associated with bases and stands will be replaced with an annual PSV levy, to be paid at the time of annual vehicle registration at the LTA. LTA will announce the amount of the levy soon.

Driving Instructors and Driving Schools

Previously, driving instructor licences were issued for 5 years. Driving schools permits were issued for 3 years but subject to yearly renewals.

“We’ll be removing the requirement for annual renewal. These changes will remove the unnecessary burden of yearly renewals in terms of licensing requirements for existing Driving School and Driving Instructors Permit (DIP) holders.

“The idea is to promote self-development among Driving School & DIP holders and reduce bureaucracy.

“The LTA recognises the important role Driving Schools and DIP holders play in moulding the skills and mindsets of future drivers. Through this amendment, Government is expressing its trust in the responsibility and trustworthiness of driving schools and licensed driving instructors to give sound instruction and comply with regulations.”

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