Use Taxi Meters To Charge Fares, LTA Tells Operators

A stern warning is issued to taxi operators to strictly abide to the use of taxi meters for all their operational travels.

Land Transport Authority act­ing chief executive officer, Iri­maia Rokosawa, was clarifying the alleged misuse of taxi meters with claims of actual fares being calculated by the driver.

These meters must be calibrated by weights and measures.

Mr Rokosawa said drivers could not start charging fares of their own accord and their own estima­tion.

“You need to work within the ambits of the regulations and failure to do so, will lead to strict action undertaken,” he said.

Early this week, a taxi driver in Labasa was arrested by police for allegedly stabbing a passenger at the Vaturekuku Roundabout in Bulileka, Labasa.

Divisional Police Commander (DPC) North, Kemueli Bale­drokadroka, confirmed the in­cident was triggered by a fare dispute because the driver de­manded a certain fare.

“We are pleading with every Fi­jian out there, please report such matters to us,” he said.

LTA possesses gadgets that can help with reporting.

Mr Rokosawa said they had a disciplinary process in place which would eventually lead ac­cused drivers to suspension or cancelation of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) driver licence or permit.

Association avoids confusion

Labasa Taxi Association gen­eral secretary, Sujit Sharma, was disappointed at the conduct of the driver for allegedly causing harm to his passenger.

“This is the first time in many years that a taxi driver hurt a passenger because previously they were victims of assault by passengers,” he said.

Mr Sharma supported this LTA regulation on taxi meters being a law to be used at all times.

He urged police and LTA to en­sure their enforcement officers were not under their influence of a conflict of interest.

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