THE Fiji Taxi Association is calling for an increase in taxi fares.
In an interview in Lautoka yesterday, newly-elected trustee Mohammed Khan said they needed a fare increase to complement the costs of operating a taxi business.
“When you see the cost of running any operation, it’s not just fuel,” he said.
“We have parts to fix like the tyres, we pay for drivers and the whole maintenance of the vehicle.
“We need a fare rise, and it has been long overdue. The prices you see in the supermarket, it has increased, and taxi fare is still the same.
“With due respect we are going to ask the relevant authorities to please consider us, at least give us something.”
Similar sentiments were echoed by Nadi district secretary Jiten Kumar, who pleaded with members to support the association in their submission to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) for an increase in taxi fares.
He said the submission to FCCC had been extended to October 10.
“Please cooperate and work together to increase this taxi fare,” Mr Kumar said.
“I request, with all the districts and operators together with the national body, this is a very critical time.
“All prices in the supermarkets have increased, but the taxi fare is still there.”
He said the submission to FCCC had 13 requirements which the taxi operators must adhere to.
“There are 13 requirements which will be in the submission to FCCC, and that includes a taxi permit.”
