So the open taxi rank system isn’t working, says the Land Transport Authority chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa.
We wonder whether that is pretty serious. Or whether it even matters!
As a result though, moves have begun to reinstate the taxi base system which was removed three years ago. That’s what we are now hearing.
Mr Rokosawa says there is a rise of private cars operating as illegal taxis because “we are not addressing areas that are in demand of public service vehicles”.
Something to consider perhaps!
Mr Rokosawa said this in the wake of a statement by Labasa Taxi Association president Mahend Prasad who said there was no taxi service available for people in rural areas, “as those who are supposed to provide the service were working out of towns”.
This, Mr Prasad believes, had also caused the issue of traffic congestion in Labasa Town for instance.
He called for the urgent removal of the system.
According to Savusavu Taxi Association president Mohammed Faruk, the open rank system was hurting the pockets of taxidrivers.
Drivers, he said, had seen a decrease in income because of the influx of taxis that were supposed to serve rural areas.
He also noted the rise in the number of private vehicles operating as illegal taxis. Speaking at the public consultation on the review of the taxi permits process, he said he knew drivers who had seen a drop in income of over $100 weekly since the introduction of the system. Now in the face of all this, we say one thing – service!
Who provides service for the people?
It is common in the Capital City of Suva to see taxi drivers refuse to take passengers on short runs for various reasons! Many drivers are fussy, and many are also choosy.
Understandably the issue of private vehicles operating as cabs is out there. They are known as “pari”.
Interestingly, there are many passengers who prefer them because they aren’t fussy and will go “anywhere” and at “anytime”.
Now place that alongside a fussy cab driver who will not pick you because you live close by, and there is a long queue!
Again, understandably there is the issue of the law, and what is against the law, weighed against what the public wants! So how reasonable can we be?
Then there are the issues of accidents and compensation for instance, and safety! Again, weighed against service! So how do we even address the challenges we are facing? Then there are the associated factors tied to the taxi industry. From the drivers and guidelines that govern their work, to good defensive driving and safety matters, and to the families that rely on them to put food on their table!
There are expectations, and there are realities on the ground! In the face of that sits the choices members of the public make daily. Integral to all this is the need for a service! Taking people from point A to point B, for a fee! They expect vehicles to be fully and properly serviced, and drivers being trained in and aware of defensive driving demands. They expect to arrive at their destinations safe! And there is accountability!
We must find a balance! There is a disconnect between service providers and many customers because of the attitude of some drivers!
So let’s reassess our taxi service and focus on finding a way forward that benefits everyone. Let’s be engaged! It is encouraging to see discussions already taking off!
That’s the way it should be!
