The road between Suva and Nadi is not just a daily route anymore for William Rawalai. It is a journey he has come to know through years of driving, changing weather and countless passengers heading home.
The Suva to West route is now a familiar journey for Mr Rawalai, who began driving in 2021 after growing up in Taveuni.
“I stay in Nadi, I travel from Suva to the West almost every day, depending on the number of passengers. Sometimes I make several trips in a week, especially during busy periods,” he said.
The van he drives belongs to a friend, and Mr Rawalai works on a contract basis.
He gives an agreed amount to the owner and keeps the remainder as his income.
The journey between Nadi and Suva usually takes about three hours, although traffic and weather can affect travel time.
“Most of the drivers here operate every day but for me I drive for six days because I have Sabbath on Sunday.”
Passengers travelling from Nadi to Suva can expect to pay about $17 to Nadi town, $18 near the airport and $19 to Lautoka.
For Mr Rawalai, the biggest challenge is not the distance.
“When there’s less passengers we earn a lower income in a day, so that is our greatest challenge, and so is the weather when it is raining.”
Rain can bring potholes and flooding along parts of the route, sometimes forcing drivers to stop until water levels fall.
Despite the challenges, Mr Rawalai said he was pleased with improvements to the road network. “For now the road is okay, but when it’s rainy weather, we surely get potholes on some roads.”
Driving has always been something he enjoys, particularly because of the people he meets along the way.
“Driving is my passion and my greatest joy is seeing my passengers reunite with their loved ones and family.”
Passenger safety remains a priority.
Mr Rawalai checks that passengers are comfortable and follows Land Transport Authority requirements.
He said dealing with intoxicated passengers could sometimes be difficult, particularly when their behaviour makes others uncomfortable.
Vehicle maintenance is also part of his daily routine.
His employer is a mechanic and services the van according to its mileage, while Mr Rawalai carries out daily checks before starting work.
Weather remains a major concern, especially during cyclone warnings.
His advice to other drivers is simple: know the road, avoid unnecessary risks and be patient in heavy traffic, particularly during busy weekends, sporting events and festive seasons.
“Know your roads well, be very careful especially when we are faced with heavy lines of traffic.”
As for Mr Rawalai, every journey has the same destination; getting passengers home safely.
