THE recent aggravated robbery of a taxi driver in Nadi this week has exposed the dangers and unpredictability of taxi driving in Fiji, says Fiji Taxi Association president Mohammed Faiyaz.
The attack captured via the taxi driver’s dash camera on Tuesday showed two men assaulting him. Mr Faiyaz said taxi drivers routinely worked alone at night and in isolated areas, carrying strangers whose true intentions were unknown.
The widely circulated video has since sparked serious safety concerns via social media regarding public service vehicle drivers with many calling for the mandatory installation of cameras in taxis.
Mr Faiyaz said discussions had already begun with the Land Transport Authority regarding this. The official approval for the installation will need to be done by the Transport Ministry first.
“Taxi driving is a hazardous occupation, drivers face the risk of robbery, assault, abuse, accidents and, in some cases, threats to their lives simply while trying to earn an honest living,” he said.
Mr Faiyaz said taxi drivers were expected to absorb increasing risks and rising costs while barely earning enough to sustain themselves and their families.
“Our drivers and operators are already struggling to make a decent living, yet they are now being told that the distance fare should return to a rate set in 2011, that is outrageous.”
Mr Faiyaz said the incident should remind policymakers that taxi fares are not simply about fuel or the cost of moving a vehicle from one place to another.
“There is a human being behind that steering wheel, working long hours, taking significant personal risks and trying to provide for a family.”
Mr Faiyaz said the association was calling for the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to retain the current $1.40 per kilometre rate and undertake a proper review of what it costs to operate a safe and sustainable taxi service.
