Application for taxi permits will soon be open to the public, including private car owners currently operating informally.
Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau confirmed the upcoming opportunity would also benefit ‘pari’ operators (illegal private car taxis) to legalise their services through formal taxi permits.
“In terms of the opening of taxi permits, all the private cars, whatever you call them, ‘pari’ or something, they will be given an opportunity to apply for taxi permits,” Ro Filipe said.
He acknowledged delays in the process but assured the public that the permit applications would be available shortly.
“There’s been some delay, and I apologise for that, but it’s in process.
“We are in the final stages of the legal regulatory preparation work.”
He emphasised that legal operators were recognised as taxis, but the new permits will provide a formal pathway for “pari” operators to become legalised.
“The legal operators are the taxis. But the so-called ‘pari’ operators, this will be an opportunity for them to be legalised.
“They need to apply for the permits.”
The ministry hopes this move will improve regulation and safety within the taxi industry while providing more earning opportunities for informal transport providers.
The exact date for the application opening will be announced soon.
