Bula Vinaka everyone and thank you for joining us.
In the last National Budget – we made it a priority to ensure reliability and access remain the foundation of Fiji’s transport system. One of our commitments was specifically to create a level playing field for taxi operators.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As announced, as of Monday, 25 April 2022, we will do away with the Base and Stand system and adopt an Open Taxi Ranking System. This will cater for approx 8,000 registered taxis.
All taxis bases, excluding private taxi bases, as of Monday will become Open Taxi Ranks – providing equal opportunity to all 8,000 registered taxis.
As we progress, we will be increasing the number of open ranks, as we identify more sites and spaces for operations in conjunction with Fiji Roads Authority (FRA).
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the past 9 months, the Open Taxi Rank Technical Working Group (TWG), which comprises of Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport, Ministry of Local Government, Office of the Solicitor-General, Land Transport Authority, FRA and Fiji Police Force, have been working on the transition to the new system.
We have been doing this in consultation with the Taxi Industry Fiji-wide, including all the associations in the 3 Divisions, to capture the views and contributions of all taxi operators and drivers.
The Open Taxi Rank System will allow taxis to operate on a first in-first out basis. Similar to other countries, the new System will lead to improved services and ease some financial burden on operators in the transport sector.
We have designed this model to suit the Fijian transport sector so that we can maximise benefits for operators and consumers. The System will actually provide uniformity across the board for all taxis. It will also create greater opportunities for taxi operators to attract more business whilst reducing illegal operations.
For taxi operators, this is a major transformation from a 33-year outdated, archaic system. This is why we have worked hand-in-hand with the Taxi Operators to ensure that this policy/regulatory change is understood and embraced in the taxi industry. Change is not easy. It can be challenging. But we can’t put creativity on hold simply because it can be difficult. This sector desperately needs more creative solutions. And through this solution, drivers and passengers both benefit.
Therefore, effective from 25 April 2022:
✔ All taxis are to operate under the Open Taxi Rank System Framework – This means that taxis will operate on a First-In-First-Out basis or rotational basis at the ranks. That is, the first taxi to arrive at any rank will be the first to take on passengers. As and when taxis arrive at the ranks, they take passengers, move out and then queue up after the last taxi on its return at any allocated rank.
✔ Taxi operators will continue to benefit from the waiver of taxi base and stand fee. In this Financial Year, a budget allocation of $2.5 million is provided to pay base fees for taxis, minibuses, carriers and buses for one year. The Fijian Government will implement the Annual PSV Levy to replace base fees. The Levy amount will be determined at a later date.
✔ All Taxi operators must continue to comply with all the necessary laws applicable to them.
✔ The Open Taxi Rank System is only for Taxis. Other permit holders such as LH, LR and LC permit holders cannot use the allocated spaces.
✔ A Taxi must not be parked at the Rank without a taxi driver. This means that a taxi driver must only enter the rank to provide service to the public and not run their personal errands by parking their vehicle in the Rank.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We cannot emphasise enough that holding a public service vehicle permit comes with great responsibility. The main obligation is to the public and the people that we serve. You should ensure that people have easy access to the service and are safe whilst travelling in your vehicles.
Ladies and Gentlemen
As the Minister responsible for the Transport Sector, I take this opportunity to thank all our stakeholders who have assisted in implementing the new Open Taxi Rank System effective from 25 April 2022.
We acknowledge the importance of partnership and will continue working closely with our stakeholders to improve the transport industry and to achieve our goals.
Taxi operators who have any queries or questions can contact to the LTA Customer Service Line, on 339 2166 or email: help@lta.com.fj
The Land Transport Authority has available FAQs to address some of the questions that you may have.
Thank you and Vinaka Vakalevu.