Taxi drivers in Labasa have raised serious concerns about private vehicles operating jobs, also known as Pari taxis, without PSV licences, risking the income of taxi drivers amid the increasing cost of living.
Labasa Taxi Association Chairman, Mahend Prasad told fijivillage News that the number of private cars operating jobs is increasing significantly, stressing that he knows of a particular person who has 30 private cars operating as Pari taxis.
He says this is unfair to licensed PSV drivers who are working tirelessly to earn an income to feed their families.
Prasad claims he has witnessed various security guards allowing Pari taxis to drop off passengers at certain places while restricting taxi drivers.
He stresses that while it is understandable that the government is doing its part, he is calling on the LTA to carry out thorough investigations into these private vehicles.
Prasad says this matter needs to be taken seriously, or it will make life more difficult for taxi drivers.
Questions have been sent to LTA