Concerns continue over illegal “pari” vehicles taking jobs from licensed taxi operators who rely on those fares to support their families.

With operating costs already putting pressure on drivers, they want stronger action to ensure licensed taxis are given a fair chance to earn.

The issue of illegal pari operations was raised during the Fiji Zone Taxi Association’s submission on taxi fares, with operators calling for practical measures to protect their daily income and improve transport services.

Nausori taxi driver Inoke Moto wants a solution that gives licensed taxi operators more opportunities to work during hours when pari vehicles are operating.

“If we share a small piece of cake to all drivers here, then lots of these cakes have been taken by the party or the illegal operators. So, if we take home, say, about 50 dollars, we can’t make it, because all the jobs have been taken by the party” Moto highlighted. 

For Fiji Zone Taxi Association President Mohammed Shameem, the pressure on taxi operators is also about protecting an industry that supports families and providing a future for those who depend on it.

“You put yourself in the shoes of the operators, you drive a taxi for one day. I have listened to the statement of the Assistant Minister for Transport. Minister for Transport, we are not against the government of the day, we are pro-government” Shameem said. 

Shameem is also pushing for changes that would allow taxis to pick up passengers more efficiently, instead of returning to their bases without a job.

“Who wants to go back to a base empty car, going back from Nausori, dropping a job to Suva town, or a passenger going back to Nadi airport? You don’t have a job; you are running an empty car. It doesn’t bring you money” he added. 

For drivers, the issue is ultimately about keeping their taxis working, protecting their income and ensuring passengers continue to have access to reliable transport.

Fiji One News has sent questions to the Land Transport Authority and is still waiting for a response.

By: Joeli Ragoneliwa