Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau has strongly condemned the recent attack on a taxi driver in Nadi, saying public service vehicle drivers should not have to risk their lives while earning a living.
Mr Tuisawau said taxi drivers and other PSV operators provided an essential service, transporting thousands of Fijians daily to workplaces, schools, businesses and health facilities.
“PSV drivers are working hard to earn a living while providing an essential service to the public,” he said.
“They should be able to do their jobs without fear that a routine passenger interaction or disagreement could place their safety, their lives or their livelihoods at risk.”
His comments follow an alleged aggravated robbery involving a taxi driver in Nadi that was captured on the vehicle’s dash camera and subsequently went viral on social media.
While stressing that Police investigations should be allowed to continue, Mr Tuisawau urged people to refrain from violence, intimidation and other criminal behaviour against public transport operators.
“Our PSV drivers are members of our communities. They are parents, family members and individuals working hard to provide for their families,” he said.
“There is absolutely no justification for violence or criminal behaviour against them.”
Mr Tuisawau also reminded PSV drivers that they were required to provide services in accordance with their permit conditions and should not unlawfully refuse passengers.
However, he said those obligations should not prevent drivers from protecting themselves when they genuinely feared for their safety.
“No driver should feel compelled to remain in a situation where they reasonably fear for their life or safety,” he said.
He urged drivers confronted with threatening situations to prioritise their safety, leave the situation where possible and seek immediate Police assistance or proceed to the nearest police station.
Mr Tuisawau said PSV operators should never have to choose between protecting their livelihoods and their personal safety.
He also called on passengers to treat drivers with respect and resolve disagreements peacefully.
“Public transport is a shared responsibility. We all have a role to play in ensuring our PSV drivers can carry out their work safely and return home to their families at the end of the day,” Mr Tuisawau said.
He said Government remained committed to maintaining a safe, reliable and accessible public transport system while protecting the rights and safety of those providing the services.
