The Accident Compensation Commission Fiji is calling on the Land Transport Authority to strengthen enforcement against illegal taxi operators, particularly those who allow provisional licence holders to transport paying passengers.
In a statement, ACCF Executive Chairman Maritino Nemani says the continued operation of unlicensed taxis, commonly known as pirate or pari drivers, raises serious concerns about passenger safety, driver qualifications and compliance with Fiji's transport laws.
He says members of the public who pay for transport have every right to expect that the person behind the wheel is properly licensed, the vehicle meets the required safety standards, and the operator is complying with the law.
He adds that particular attention should be given to reports and allegations of provisional licence holders operating illegal taxi services.
The Executive Chairman says provisional drivers are still progressing towards full driving privileges, and allowing inexperienced drivers to carry paying passengers outside the regulated public transport system creates unnecessary risks, particularly when the required checks and safeguards may not be in place.
He says the introduction of Fiji's new two-stage provisional licensing system makes it even more important for authorities to ensure that drivers comply with the conditions attached to their licences.
Nemani says private vehicles transporting passengers in exchange for payment or contributions are required to comply with Public Service Vehicle licensing requirements.
He adds that these requirements exist for a reason, as driver vetting, vehicle inspections and the appropriate Motor Vehicle Accident Levy are important safeguards.
He says these requirements cannot simply be disregarded because someone chooses to operate a private vehicle as a taxi.
The Executive Chairman urges LTA, working alongside the Fiji Police Force, to conduct targeted checks on suspected illegal taxi operators, verify drivers' licence categories and ensure that vehicles carrying paying passengers have the necessary permits.
He also calls for particular attention to be given to vehicles operating through informal arrangements and ride-sharing platforms.
Nemani says they recognise that some communities face genuine difficulties accessing reliable public transport. However, the solution cannot be to compromise passenger safety or allow unlicensed operators to disregard the requirements imposed on legitimate taxi drivers.
He says ACCF regularly deals with the consequences of motor vehicle accidents and understands the devastating impact serious injuries and fatalities can have on individuals and families.
The Executive Chairman says by the time an accident victim requires compensation, the damage has already been done, and no financial payment can undo a serious injury or bring back a life that has been lost.
He urges members of the public to use properly licensed transport services and encourages anyone with information about suspected illegal taxi operations, particularly those involving provisional drivers, to report their concerns to LTA.
Nemani says protecting passengers must come first, the law must be applied consistently, and those transporting members of the public for payment must meet the standards required of them.
