Following passengers raising concerns about drivers denying services for arbitrary reasons such as short runs, traffic or rainy weather, the Fiji Taxi Association is warning drivers that they must follow the Land Transport Authority Act.
This comes as some people trying to catch a taxi in Nausori Town have raised concerns about waiting for up to an hour with many shopping bags, only to have drivers refuse service due to traffic or concerns that passengers might wet the seats because of the rain.
A woman travelling with her children was also told to exit a taxi in the rain in Makoi because the driver refused to take them further.
FTA General Secretary Ashwin Lal says according to the Land Transport Act, they are working with the LTA on the issue as they have also received numerous complaints regarding short runs and drivers being robbed during these runs.
He says they also have to protect taxi drivers and proprietors.
The General Secretary further says that even if it is raining, drivers cannot refuse service to the passengers.
He says if the drivers believe the passenger is a threat, they should simply take the passenger to the nearest police station report the matter and explain why he does not want to take the passenger.
Meanwhile, LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa says complainants must lodge formal complaints with the LTA and have their statements recorded so that drivers can be held accountable.
People can text 582 to lodge their complaints with LTA.
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