LTA holding nationwide consultations on review of taxi permit process and operation

The Land Transport Authority has commenced a series of nationwide public consultations, starting in Labasa yesterday, to gather input and address the concerns of stakeholders and the general public on Fiji’s taxi permit regulations and operations.

LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa says the consultations aim to review and improve the policies and processes surrounding taxi permits and the Open Taxi Ranking System (OTRS).

Rokosawa says the Authority recognised that the evolving needs of the transport sector called for robust input from the public and key stakeholders.

He says these public consultations present an opportunity for all involved in the taxi industry — from permit holders and taxi operators to passengers and the general public — to have their voices heard and help shape the future of Fiji’s taxi operations.

The LTA CEO says the public consultation sessions were scheduled across four major regions from 9am to 1pm at the following locations:

• Northern Division on Monday, 28th October 2024 at the Salvation Army, Hospital Road, Labasa;

• Western Division on Tuesday, 29th October 2024, at the Returned Service League (RSL) Hotel Hall, Tavewa Avenue, Lautoka;

• Eastern Division on Wednesday, 30th October 2024, at Nausori Village Community Hall, Nausori, and;

• Central Division on Thursday, 31st October 2024, at the FTA Hall, Knollys Street in Suva.

Rokosawa says topics discussed at these public consultations include challenges within the current framework, considerations around the OTRS, and ideas for potential enhancements to meet public transport demands effectively.

He says each consultation will include panel discussions featuring representatives from crucial stakeholders, such as the Ministry of Local Government, the Ministry of Transport, and the Fiji Roads Authority (FRA).

Rokosawa says their involvement is essential as the consultation findings would guide the strategic direction for future enhancements in Fiji’s taxi industry, including the potential lifting of the current freeze on new taxi permits in line with government planning.

He says feedback from these sessions will be instrumental in shaping improvements to Fiji’s existing systems and they’re committed to a participatory approach that integrates community insights to ensure our taxi permit and ranking systems are fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Fijians.

The LTA CEO says the Authority is strongly encouraging taxi permit holders and the public to participate in the consultations and engage directly with officials.

He says the feedback gathered will help create a responsive and comprehensive regulatory framework that aligns with national goals and the long-term needs of the taxi industry and the public it serves.

Rokosawa highlighted that the public consultations also presented an opportunity for the Authority to evaluate its policies holistically, ensuring that they are adaptable to future challenges and changes within Fiji’s transport landscape.

He says the Authority is urging all taxi operators, industry representatives, and interested members of the public to make verbal presentations and submit written feedback during these sessions.