Taxi association seeks fuel subsidy, fare increase

The Labasa Taxi Association has called for a fuel subsidy and fare increase to help operators cope with rising fuel costs.

Association general secretary Sujit Sharma said if bus operators could receive Government support due to their role in public transport, taxi operators should be considered as well.

The Government recently announced a $4 million allocation to support bus operators and prevent service disruptions. From April 1 to July 31, it will absorb an additional 10 per cent fare increase and provide a fuel rebate of 20 cents per litre.

Mr Sharma said a similar subsidy or rebate would help taxi operators manage fuel costs.

He added that a fare increase was also needed to ensure the industry remained viable.

“We understand with the increased fuel crisis, a lot of people will be affected especially our customers, we are calling for a fair increase to taxi fares to help both the customer and taxi operator survive,” he said.

Mr Sharma said for many drivers, taxi work was their sole source of income, and higher fuel costs were making it difficult to sustain their livelihoods.

Traffic officers commended

The association also acknowledged traffic officers in Labasa for managing congestion during peak hours.

Mr Sharma said their presence helped improve traffic flow and reduce delays.

“Without traffic road officers, traffic congestion will escalate to uncontrolled levels with motorists ignoring road safety rules to reach their destination quickly,” he said.