The rise of illegal “pari” taxis is becoming a growing concern for authorities, driven by service gaps within the licensed public transport sector, says Land Transport Authority of Fiji CEO Irimaia Rokosawa.
Mr Rokosawa said the issue was being fuelled by licensed taxi operators refusing short-distance trips or selectively choosing passengers, leaving sections of the public without reliable transport options.
“Pari operation or illegal taxis is thriving because demand is there. Taxidrivers are cherry-picking or refusing certain trips,” he said.
He said the authority was conducting community awareness campaigns and preparing for future regularisation of illegal operators once taxi permit processes are opened.
“We are continuing with our community awareness to ensure that when LTA does open up the taxi permit, all illegal operations are regularised. But they have to come through the normal process,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe said enforcement would continue against vehicles operating illegally for commercial purposes.
“For them to understand that those vehicles were registered by law to be only utilised as private users and not by taxis,” he said.
Mr Rokosawa also acknowledged that non-compliance among some licensed PSV operators had contributed to gaps in service that illegal operators were exploiting.
He said co-ordinated enforcement between the Land Transport Authority and police, along with regulatory reforms and public co-operation, would be key to addressing the issue.
“This is about public safety, law compliance, and ensuring everyone gets transport services fairly,” he said.
