People can now give their views on the submissions to increase taxi fare

You can now give your views on the submissions presented to the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission on the proposed increase in taxi fare.

The Fiji Taxi Association has made a submission for an increase from the current 10 cents to between 15 to 20 cents per 100 metres while the Fiji Cabbies Operators Association has asked for an increase to 30 cents for the same.

For the flag fall charge, the Taxi Association has made a submission for it to be $1.50 from 6am to 8pm and $2 from 8pm to 6am.

The Cabbies Association want the flag fall charge to be $1.50 from 6am to 9pm and $2 from 9pm to 6am.

The Fiji Taxi Association has asked for the waiting charges to be increased to 35 cents to 50 cents per every minute while the Cabbies Association want 30 cents.

You have time until 4pm next Wednesday to make your submission.

According to the FCCC, the major reasons for the proposed fare increase by the industry are increase in fuel prices, increase in the cost of spare parts, increase in the cost of repair and maintenance, and the increase in wages.

They also say there has been no increase in taxi fares for more than 10 years and the market dynamics has changed significantly.