For taxi operators, the next six months could provide much-needed breathing space as they work towards a fare structure, they say needs to reflect the realities of running a taxi business.

The interim taxi fare will remain in place for another six months, giving taxi operators more time to present their concerns and work towards a permanent fare structure.

The extension comes after the Fiji Zonal Taxi Association made submissions to the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission, as the industry prepared for the interim fare to change from 14 cents back to 10 cents from tomorrow.

The association says the additional time is important for operators who want their operating costs and other concerns properly considered before a permanent fare is decided.

Speaking to Fiji One News, Fiji Zone Taxi Association President and General Secretary Mohammed Shameem highlighted that the association had initially asked for only a three-month extension but was granted six months.

“So, they have now granted us, when we were looking for only three months of extension, the interim fare has now changed and we are so fingers crossed and so cheerful, so happy and speechless that FCCC has granted for the next six months for a temporary fare” Shameem highlighted. 

Shameem said the extension now gives the association and its members more time to gather the information required to support a permanent fare structure.

He added that this will include compiling Schedule B information, which he believes will help present a clearer picture of the issues facing taxi operators across the country.

“So, it gives a lot of periods of time for the taxi association and the members of the association to compile the Schedule B which is going to help them to come up with the other hand of information to get a permanent taxi fare structure” he said. 

For those who rely on taxis every day, the current fare arrangement will continue while the industry works through the next stage of the review.

For taxi operators, the next six months will now be focused on gathering the information they say is needed to support a permanent fare structure that takes into account the realities of their work and the cost of keeping their businesses on the road.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa