Taxi drivers want the current four-cent fare increase to remain, saying it has helped them manage the rising cost of running their vehicles.

But with the fare set to reduce from October, operators are concerned about how they will cope with their daily expenses.

Government has acknowledged the benefit the higher fare has provided to operators but says the decision on taxi fares rests with the FCCC and its fare-setting formula.

The Fiji Zone Taxi Association Spokesperson, Mohammed Shameem, said the four-cent increase has helped operators break even and continue their businesses.

Shameem added that operators would prefer the four-cent increase to become part of a permanent fare structure, so they are not forced to repeatedly change their meters whenever fuel prices fluctuate.

“Currently the taxi operators are doing fine with these 4 cents rise on a broad distance of a 100 meters, 4 cents are making them break even to make a profit that they were able to survive on the fuel price” Shameem said.

Suva Taxi Driver George Sharma says the fare increase has made a difference for many drivers, helping them earn more and cope with the rising cost of living.

“Yeah, it’s good for taxi drivers. They’re getting some good money and good wages. They’re taking money for home too” Sharma said.

Shameem highlighted that operators want the four-cent increase to remain permanently, giving them more stability as fuel and other operating costs continue to change.

“If the 4 cents is given back to them on a fare structure permanently, they will be able to manage if there’s a hiking price in the fuel, they will be able to continue with the same 4 cents with a permanent fare” he said.

Government has acknowledged that the higher fare has benefited taxi operators, with Assistant Minister for Transportation Naisa Tuinaceva saying the concerns have been noted, while FCCC remains responsible for determining taxi fares.

“But yes, I note that the operators and the drivers are saying how this increase has helped them. But that is the agency that is dealing with the fare increase” Tuinaceva said.

Taxi drivers now want the FCCC to consider a permanent fare structure that can help them manage rising costs while keeping the service affordable for passengers.

BY: JOELI RAGONELIWA