Taxi operators call for arrest of ‘pirate’ operators

The Labasa Taxi Association is questioning the effectiveness of the Fiji Police Force, Northern Command Centre, which is linked to Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in Labasa Town.

The centre is also accessible and linked to the CCTV cameras in Savusavu, Seaqaqa and Nabouwalu.

Association chairperson Mahen Prasad calls on the use of the CCTV cameras to identify illegal taxis commonly known as ‘Pirate taxis’ operating in Labasa.

Illegal taxis are private vehicles illegally carting passengers and charging fares like registered taxis.

The association raised the question following the alleged recent assault of a Labasa taxi driver, Aiyaz Din Mohammed, 31, by a private vehicle driver.

“When we complain or they learn that a certain driver is complaining, there is a risk of being threatened and physically abused,” Mr Prasad claims.

He claimed police are failing to apprehend vehicle owners allegedly involved in illegal taxi operation.

“We have given them (Police) a list of vehicles operating as pirate taxis. Police are yet to react and take these perpetrators to task,” he said.

Divisional Police Commander (DPC) North, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Kemueli Baledrokadroka, said he was aware of the threat taxi drivers constantly face.

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