Concerns are being raised over the increasing number of private vehicles and rental cars operating illegally as taxis within the Labasa Town area.
Speaking to fijivillage News, Labasa Taxi Association Secretary Sujeet Kumar Sharma says many private vehicles and LH-licensed cars are carrying passengers for hire, which is against the law.
He says over 200 private vehicles are currently operating as taxis in Labasa, affecting the livelihoods of licensed taxi drivers.
He is calling on the Land Transport Authority to take stronger action, as taxi drivers are losing business, especially during the day and afternoon, when illegal operators pick up passengers directly from the roadside.
Sharma also raised concern about the extra fees charged by the Labasa Town Council under the open-rank system.
He says taxis operating from the Labasa Market Stand, which falls under a private stand, are paying about $300 per year, while other taxis are not being charged.
He also highlighted the urgent need for a bypass road in Labasa, saying traffic congestion has worsened due to the town’s limited road access.
He says it can take up to an hour for a taxi to return to the stand after one trip.
