Nadi taxi drivers defrauding tourists and locals-LTA

A strong warning has been sent out to a group of taxi drivers and operators who mainly operate in Nadi that they should stop colluding to defraud tourists and other members of the public.

Land Transport Authority Chief Executive Officer Naisa Tuinaceva said the authority has been receiving complaints on the issue and has started investigations.

Tuinaceva said some drivers have refused to use a taxi meter and have charged a fixed rate while conveying the passenger from point A to B adding these drivers have demanded or collected fares to be paid to them in a foreign currency especially in Australian, New Zealand and American dollars which they obviously use to buy local dollars at a higher amount.

Tuinaceva said that taxi fares are dictated by meters or according to a fare table as sanctioned by the LTA.

However, LTA is aware that there are operators and drivers who have been setting their own fares, with the intent of overcharging tourists and locals.

He added that those found violating fare provisions are likely to have their permit and drivers license suspended.

Meanwhile, Fiji Taxi Unions General Secretary Rishi Ram said they are aware of the issue however he said with the fuel increase coming into effect next Monday, it is not profitable for taxi drivers to operate and there will be a possibility of charging of high fees by taxi drivers.