Opposition MP Vijay Nath has called for stronger measures to protect taxi drivers following reports of robberies and assaults in Nadi, Wainibokasi and other parts of the country.
Mr Nath said the incidents should not be treated as isolated cases, warning they highlighted wider concerns about the safety of people providing an essential public service.
“A taxi driver should not have to wonder whether the next passenger entering his or her vehicle poses a threat,” Mr Nath said.
“These drivers are simply trying to earn an honest living, and they deserve to be able to return home safely to their families at the end of their shift.”
He called on the Government, Fiji Police Force and other relevant authorities to take practical steps to improve driver safety, including increased police visibility and patrols in areas where drivers were particularly vulnerable at night.
Mr Nath also called for a faster and more effective system for drivers to seek police assistance during emergencies.
He said authorities should consider measures including CCTV cameras, GPS tracking and other affordable in-vehicle safety technology.
Police, the Land Transport Authority, taxi associations and drivers should also work together to identify high-risk locations and develop appropriate safety measures, he said.
Mr Nath said people who deliberately targeted taxi drivers for robbery or assault should “face the full force of the law”.
He also called for stronger enforcement against illegal taxi operators while ensuring the concerns of licensed drivers were addressed.
However, Mr Nath said safety responsibilities also extended to taxi drivers, who were expected to provide professional and safe services and comply with laws governing the industry.
“Safety must work both ways — passengers should feel safe when entering a taxi, and drivers should feel safe when accepting a passenger,” he said.
“No person should have to choose between earning an honest living and risking their life.”
Mr Nath urged authorities to act before another driver or member of the public became a victim.
“Our taxi drivers are fathers, mothers, husbands, wives and members of our communities trying to make an honest living,” he said.
“They deserve to work in safety and to be treated with dignity and respect.”
