The Fiji Taxi Zone Association is calling for the current general taxi fare to be retained at 14 cents per 100 metres travelled, which will end on the 30th of this month.
Acting National General Secretary Mohammed Shameem says the taxi industry is at a breaking point, with many drivers working seven days a week for 10 to 12 hours a day just to survive.
Shameem says despite the long working hours, drivers are still unable to save much.
He is urging the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to maintain the current 14-cent fare while the association prepares and makes its formal submissions.
FCCC CEO Senikavika Jiuta says there has been no increase in the fare for 11 years, but has urged the association to make detailed submissions and provide figures to support its request for the 14-cent rate to remain.
She says once the submission is made, the team will review and then it will be taken to the board for determination of fare.
Jiuta says when the current fare increase was introduced, consumers complained that taxi fares were already too high.
However, she says the decision was made based on the cost index model.
Jiuta further says the FCCC will take about six months to review and assess the fare structure.
Around 100 taxi drivers gathered at the Nausori Club today, agreeing that changes are needed within the taxi industry, including fares, illegal operators, and the safety and security of drivers.
