It is reassuring to know that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has issued a strong warning to Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators and drivers that illicit drug use will not be tolerated. The warning comes in the wake of public concern raised by the Lautoka Zone Taxi Association about drug use among some taxi drivers.
The association’s president, Vijen Prasad, made a rather revealing statement that directly linked drug use to the pressures faced by some drivers. According to Mr Prasad, many drivers are pushed to meet strict payment deadlines, forcing them to work long hours behind the wheel.
“I know for a fact some drivers use drugs to stay up and drive longer hours,” he said.
He was responding to remarks earlier made by Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions John Rabuku, who had raised similar concerns, that some taxi drivers were turning to drugs to cope with the demands of extended shifts. Mr Prasad agreed, saying the pressure to make ends meet was a real and growing problem within the industry.
“They use it because they need to work longer hours so they can earn enough to pay for their cars or meet payments owed to proprietors who own the taxis,” he said. “There is a lot of pressure on taxi drivers right now. If they don’t make the payments, they risk losing their car or their contract with the owner.”
This admission paints a worrying picture, one of economic pressure, long hours, and a dangerous coping mechanism that poses a direct risk to public safety.
LTA chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa acknowledged the challenges faced by drivers but was firm that they cannot justify illegal behaviour that endangers lives. The Authority, he said, has a zero-tolerance policy on drug use within the PSV industry and “will take firm action against any driver or permit holder found engaging in such behaviour”.
“Driving under the influence of drugs is a direct threat to public safety,” Mr Rokosawa stressed. “LTA will not hesitate to initiate show-cause proceedings that can result in the suspension or cancellation of a driver’s licence or the revocation of a PSV permit.”
From January 1 to October 27 this year, the LTA, he said, conducted 559 show-cause proceedings across all regions. Of these, 15 involved PSV driver licence holders, resulting in 11 suspensions, four cancellations, and formal warnings issued to others.
Mr Rokosawa expressed disappointment that the Lautoka Zone Taxi Association did not report its concerns or identify offending drivers directly to the Authority through its stakeholder channels. He urged taxi associations, permit holders, and the public to assist the LTA by reporting any suspected cases of drug use.
“Drug use among PSV drivers is a serious breach of public trust and a danger to everyone on our roads. We urge all stakeholders to report such cases. We will act swiftly and decisively to remove these individuals from operating public service vehicles,” he said.
While public concern rightly focuses on passenger safety and the integrity of the PSV industry, it also raises a wider question, who else might be using illicit drugs and driving on our roads? The problem may well extend beyond taxis, suggesting a deeper societal issue that needs urgent attention.
It is encouraging that the LTA is determined to enforce strict compliance, protect passengers, uphold public confidence, and ensure that those entrusted with public transport responsibilities meet the highest standards of professionalism and conduct. That is the right approach.
However, words and warnings alone are not enough. This commitment must be reinforced by strong, consistent enforcement, including random drug testing, closer monitoring of working hours, and greater support for drivers facing financial pressure. Only then can we build a transport system that is not just efficient, but genuinely safe, accountable, and worthy of public trust.
