Naresh Chand, 58, was instrumental in the launching of the minibus services in Fiji.
Born in July 1967 and raised in Visama Nausori, Mr Chand still recalls the hardships and trials they had to go through as drivers to apply for a minibus permit back in the day.
He attended Visama Sanatan Primary School and finished off high school studies in Vunimomo High School
But he said due to financial constraints he could not pursue further studies in university and so he left school to earn a living and help his family financially.
He is the eldest in a family, of five siblings and his father was the sole breadwinner in their home at that time.
He said, that because of hard work and his family’s unity he was able to succeed in life.
In 1998 Mr Chand recalled that the government back then gave permission for members of the public to apply for minibus permits with the Land Transport Authority (LTA).
However, after applying for the permit the main obstacle, they faced were from the bus companies, as they were strongly opposing permits for minibus operators at that time.
He said, “before we got our permits the bus company came down and opposed our permit not to be passed as our application were illegal because we could affect their business.” Mr Chand said they had to hire a lawyer to assist them with their fight for permits which resulted in a tribunal discussion called by LTA, between the minibus drivers and the bus companies.
After the tribunal the LTA gave permission for the minibus operators to be a private mode of transport, and not for the public, he said.
“The bus companies took us and LTA to the High Court and our lawyer was John Apted.
“The High Court then ruled in favour of LTA and the minibus owners, allowing us to operate as a mode of transport for the public.”
This allowed Mr Chand to get a permit in the year 2000.
He has since been a Public Service Vehicle driver for more than 25 years now.
Today he is the president of the Minibus Association for the Suva-Nausori corridor and continues to champion the plight of the association’s members.
He is happily married and a proud father of one son, who works as an insurance officer.
Mr Chand who remains ambitious says he plans to open more businesses in the near future.
The minibus operators in Fiji provide a vital shuttle for people that rely on it for a faster and smoother mode of transport.
Last year the Land Transport Authority issued a reminder to all Public Service Vehicle (PSV) drivers to strictly follow the established code of conduct and uphold their responsibilities as public service providers.
The reminder was in response to several incidents and concerns from the public regarding the conduct and compliance of some PSV drivers.
LTA chief executive officer Irimaia Rokosawa said these incidents highlight the need for greater awareness and strict adherence to the PSV code of conduct, as well as the importance of road safety measures for all road users, including drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
“As per the PSV code of conduct, all drivers must behave in a civil and orderly manner.
PSV drivers undergo specific training on the code during the compulsory Defensive Driving Course (DDC), which includes guidelines on treating commuters, other road users, and the public with respect and dignity.
“Drivers are expected to be courteous at all times and are strictly prohibited from using offensive language, including swearing or making remarks that are personal, sexual, or racist in nature.”
The CEO acknowledged public concerns regarding inappropriate behaviour by PSV drivers, assuring that these are taken seriously, and appropriate penalties are enforced for any breaches of the PSV Drivers Code of Conduct.
“The LTA enforces strict penalties for any breaches of the PSV Drivers Code of Conduct, as we are committed to maintaining a high standard of service and safety for all passengers.
“The Authority is urging all PSV drivers to take their roles as public transport service providers seriously, understanding the responsibility they carry in ensuring the safety, comfort, and respect of their passengers,” Mr Rokosawa said.
He said the Authority would not hesitate to hold drivers accountable for any violations of the code of conduct and would continue to work with key stakeholders in the public transport sector to ensure standards expected of transport service providers were upheld.
The CEO says the purpose of their commitment as public service providers was to cater for the needs of the general public, ensuring a convenient and accessible mode of transportation for Fijians.
Mr Rokosawa said the Authority would actively monitor and address reported incidents, and take strict actions against those found in violation of the PSV driver’s Code of Conduct.
Inset: Suva-Nausori minibuses line and wait for passengers beside Rajendra’s Supermarket at Robertson Rd in Suva.
