Pirate taxis to be legalised – Ro Filipe

Following huge concerns about pirate taxis, the Minister for Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, says they will need to bring them into the legal framework.

In a video message, Ro Filipe says this will allow them to be legalised, and this regulation will ensure the safety of the people and the passengers.

He assured taxi permit holders that changes would be gradual and no one would be left aside by the sudden change.

Following concerns raised that taxis will be restricted and current permits will be discontinued, the Minister has clarified that all taxi permit holders will continue operations as usual.

The Parliament passed the Land Transport Authority Act last Thursday, removing the Open Rank System and re-introducing the Base and Stand System.

Ro Filipe says the amendments were made because of the increasing complaints from the people that the taxis were no longer available where they were needed.

The Minister adds to focus on the needs of the passengers, they are moving taxis back to where they should be, which is where the population needs are.