The Nausori Taxi Association is urging the Government and the Land Transport Authority to immediately address the issue of illegal taxi operators.
Association Secretary Rup Narayan says taxi operators are not calling for an increase in taxi fares but want authorities to take action against illegal taxi drivers.
Narayan says many taxi drivers and their families are suffering as illegal operators continue to affect their business.
He says if taxi fares are increased, there could be more illegal operators as passengers may choose them over licensed taxis.
Insert: Can’t blame govt for fuel inc 26th May
Narayan adds that he is aware of about 100 illegal taxis operating in Nausori.
While responding to questions from fijivillage News, Minister for Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau says the issue has been raised on several occasions.
Ro Filipe says there is a need to analyse taxi operations in various areas.
He says the Government has now opened taxi permit application quotas for specific sectors.
The Minister adds that this initiative is expected to reduce the number of illegal operators, and he is encouraging them to apply for the permits.
