Following serious concerns about taxi drivers refusing service due to short journeys, rainy weather, or traffic, the Land Transport Authority has clarified that such refusals are against its regulations.
This comes after a woman travelling with her children was told to exit a taxi in the rain in Makoi because the driver refused to take them further.
Some people trying to catch a taxi in Nausori Town have also 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.
LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa says the complainants must lodge formal complaints with the LTA and have their statements recorded so that drivers can be held accountable.
He says a taxi permit is a legal document, and the alleged offender has the right to challenge any action in court.
Rokosawa has stresses the importance of complainants formally registering complaints and providing statements, as their cooperation is needed throughout court proceedings.
He further says they need the complainant to back them up all throughout the court proceedings and most of the time it's the whistleblower or the complainant that probably shy away from continuing that process.
The CEO emphasises that those who wish to complain must be willing to go to the LTA and provide statements, enabling the LTA to issue traffic infringement notices.
Rokosawa adds that Public Service Vehicle drivers are bound by a code of conduct as set out in the legislation.
People can text 582 to lodge their complaint.
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