SINCE 1962, Ponsami Mudaliar has been a taxi driver in Labasa Town and has never been booked for any traffic offences.
At the age of 73, Mr Mudaliar has survived in the industry for almost 50 years. He described the industry as a fast growing service that has attracted people from all walks of life.
Recognising his loyalty in abiding by the road rules, the cheerful Mr Mudaliar received a letter from the Land Transport Authority last year praising his efforts.
"Since I started driving my taxi in 1962, I have been always careful about driving and using the road and always thinking of others, especially the pedestrians and that is how I kept a clean record," Mr Mudaliar said.
LTA regional manager North Faiyum Ali said the letter was to thank him for his effort in working with LTA supporting the road regulations. "When I started driving my taxi, which my father gave me to help support my new family, there were about 20 taxis with only three bus companies, and a small market with about 30 vendors.
"Labasa town then was very small with all wooden buildings and not even 10 buses providing services so it was a small peaceful community," Mr Mudaliar said.
He said demands for taxis were not as popular as today as most people used the bus or walked home including villagers who walked more than a kilometre to town.
"Even my neighbours and friends from Soasoa, (outside Labasa town), never hired me when I travelled from home or to go back to my area.
"I am now living with my eldest son while my other four children are married and living overseas and around Labasa. Every morning I look forward to coming to work because I have a lot of passengers who are around to keep me company. My work today is more of meeting friends and I am enjoying it every day."