Taxi Shortage, “Pirates” Assumes Control
We don’t want to use ‘pari,’ but we have no choice since taxi drivers complain that it’s a short run or there’s traffic,” Mr Vea said.
Monday 24 March 2025 | 17:04
Most taxi permit holders and their drivers in the Northern Division are not providing 24-hour service, as required by the conditions of the taxi permit.
Land Transport Authority (LTA) chief operating officer Faiyum Ali revealed this while responding to Sunia Vea, who reported that many people in Labasa were using ‘pirate or pari’ or illegal private vehicle drivers, typically after 5pm.
Mr Ali said that when police and LTA conducted road operations, they found that most taxi drivers were operating from morning until at least 6pm.
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“We have done an analysis, and the data speaks for itself, guiding our decisions. We found that there was greater demand for taxi services, but the supply was insufficient,” Mr Ali said.
“The tracking of illegal operations and the booking of private vehicles operating as ‘pari’ has become a challenge for both the police and LTA.”
Mr Vea said that, apart from the unavailability of taxi services in rural areas, some drivers chose their passengers and destinations.
“We don’t want to use ‘pari,’ but we have no choice since taxi drivers complain that it’s a short run or there’s traffic,” Mr Vea said.
“Private vehicles are available, and they make runs at a cheaper rate.”
Mr Ali responded, saying that taxi drivers cannot refuse passengers or choose who to pick.
“There is a review of legislative changes regarding taxi permit acquisition, and very soon, taxi permits will be open,” he said.
“The taxi service is a 24-hour service, and operators need to have a rotation system in place to prevent driver fatigue and ensure that sup-ply is not affected.”
He said that if there were an efficient taxi service, there would surely be a reduction or even zero illegal “pari” operations.
“Unfortunately, this is not happening and that is why we encourage people to attend our public consultation on taxi permit and share their opinions,” he said.
“Government is going into the system of taxi stand and bases and it will standardised to the need basis in different areas including rural areas.”
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