The Transport Ministry will decide soon what taxi service system will be implemented in towns and cities across the country.
Minister for Public Works, Transport and Meteorological Services Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the concerns raised by taxi drivers about a preferential system have been raised with the Land Transport Authority.
“We are aware about the concerns being raised, especially on the open-base system, with some wanting its removal,” said Mr Tuisawau.
“We are taking these concerns on board, and the LTA will be coming up with a system that is most suitable. That announcement will be made soon.”
Fiji Zone Taxi Association president Vijen Prasad said the open-base system has allowed for better taxi services in areas such as Lautoka and Nadi.
“Removing the open-base system will really affect customers who should always be our priority,” said Mr Prasad.
“I understand there are drivers who want the taxi base system to be returned but it will not work in places where zone taxis outnumber the taxi base drivers.
“Right now, it is a level playing field and the only one who gains the most here is the customer who does not have to worry about where to find the nearest taxi.”
Mr Prasad said zone taxi drivers should not be penalised.
“By removing the open-base system, we are the ones that will suffer because we will be put in areas where there are hardly any customers.”
