Taxi driver Inoke Moto is calling for authorities to stop illegal pari operators from carrying passengers and instead find a legal solution to meet the demand for transport after normal taxi operating hours.
Moto raised this during the Fiji Taxi Zone Association meeting in Nausori, stressing that illegal operators should not be encouraged to break the law simply because there is demand for transport late at night and in the early hours of the morning.
He says his company has been issued 20 base letters and he intends to approach the Nausori Town Council to explore whether taxis can legally operate during the hours when pari operators are most active.
He says allowing properly authorised taxis to operate during these hours could provide a solution while ensuring operators comply with the law.
The operator says there is no justification for protecting or encouraging illegal operations when legal options can be explored.
He adds that discussions about the taxi industry should focus on finding solutions for legitimate taxi operators rather than defending illegal pari operators.