LICENSED taxi operators are losing business to illegal services while struggling to cope with rising fuel and operating costs, the Fiji Taxi Association claims.
Association president Mohammed Faiyaz said the growth of illegal taxi operations was placing additional pressure on drivers and operators already facing increasing financial challenges.
“Law-abiding taxi operators are paying registration fees, permits, insurance, compliance costs and taxes, while illegal operators continue to operate with near total impunity,” Mr Faiyaz said.
He claimed the situation had become increasingly unfair for licensed operators, many of whom rely on a single vehicle to support their families.
“The irony is that many illegal taxis are now charging fares higher than those charged by licensed operators.”
He said the issue came at a time when the industry was grappling with higher fuel prices and operating expenses.
He said taxi fares had not undergone a meaningful review since 2011, despite significant increases in the cost of fuel, vehicle maintenance, insurance, tyres, batteries and other operating expenses.
“The taxi industry is earning 2011 revenue in a 2026 economy.”
Mr Faiyaz said many operators were finding it difficult to remain profitable under the current fare structure.
The association is calling on Government to strengthen enforcement against illegal operators, undertake an urgent review of taxi fares and assess the long-term sustainability of the industry.
“The current situation is neither fair nor sustainable.”
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) has yet to respond to questions about its review of taxi metered fares in response to fuel price fluctuations and operator concerns.
