SIGATOKA taxi operator Arvind Mistry has requested that the Government consider granting taxi proprietors more than one permit so that they can develop their operations.
In an interview in Lautoka this week, Mr Mistry said he was considering expanding his business but had an issue with permits. Under current regulations, the Land Transport Authority has put a freeze on the granting of new permits.
“I own a taxi permit, but in the interest of the industry, I want to expand my taxi business,” he said.
“I appeal to the Coalition Government, especially to the Honourable Minister for Transport, that a taxi proprietor who has secured a base should be considered for the granting of a taxi permit.”
Mr Mistry said that since 2013, he’d been waiting for the freeze on taxi permits to be lifted, “so I can apply to own two taxi permits”.
He said owning another permit would enable him to employ another driver, and thus improve his services.
“Currently, I have one taxi permit, but in 2013 Sigatoka Town Council approved another taxi base for me.
“I appeal to the Minister of Transport to consider granting a taxi proprietor who wishes to expand his business and secure a base to be given that opportunity to do so. As an industry, we have an interest in business, so that is why I appeal to the minister and the Government to consider taxi proprietors having more than one permit.”
