Shiu Shankar is an experienced driver who has been in the transport industry for 40 years.
As the oldest driver at the Howell Rd Taxi Base in Suva, the 66-year-old says his journey reflects the discipline and love he has for his work.
Originally from Rakiraki, Shiu began his driving career with heavy vehicles and transitioned to taxi driving later in life.
His passion for driving has remained constant over the years, and for him, it is much more than just a job—it is something he truly enjoys and takes pride in.
Before joining the taxi industry, Shiu worked for the J.S. Hill & Associates, where he drove large trucks.
He said his early experience in handling heavy vehicles laid a perfect foundation for his driving career. Eventually, he moved into the taxi business, working at several bases around Suva before becoming a regular driver at the Howell Rd Taxi Base, where he has earned the respect of his colleagues and customers alike.
Despite living in Nausori, Shiu has maintained a consistent routine of commuting to Suva for work daily.
“I leave home around 5am to avoid the morning traffic, this is a habit I have been following for many years,” he said.
His return trip usually begins around 4pm, allowing him to avoid the afternoon congestion.
Shiu said the long daily travel has become second nature to him and it also reflects his consistent work ethic and commitment to his profession.
“Waking up early and travelling to and fro has become a lifestyle and it is nothing new to me,” he said.
Apart from his daily timetable, Shiu shared about his experience on the road these past years.
“Over my four decades in the industry, I have witnessed countless changes in Suva’s transport sector.
“From improvements in infrastructure to shifts in passenger behaviour and evolving vehicle technology, I have seen it all.”
Shiu says that with change — come challenges.
He acknowledges that being a taxi driver, today was not easy as they had to deal with all sorts of people.
One of the most pressing concerns he raised was the danger and difficulties faced by night shift drivers.
“Drivers who work night shifts are more vulnerable to theft, harassment, and problematic behaviour from drunk or unruly passengers,” he said.
Shiu emphasised that these challenges can be both emotionally and physically draining and often go unnoticed by the public.
Another issue he pointed out was the rising cost of taxi maintenance.
He recalled that in the past, car parts and general upkeep for vehicles were much more affordable.
“Today, however, the price of maintaining a taxi has risen significantly, adding financial strain on drivers who often operated their own vehicles.”
Shiu said this increase in operational costs, combined with the unpredictability of daily income, created added pressure on drivers like himself – who relied on this work to support their families.
Despite these hurdles, Shiu remains passionate about his role and continues to serve his community with dedication.
“Challenges will come and go, it is entirely up to us how to handle it,” he said.