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Taxi drivers in Fiji are finding it difficult to make ends meet because some of their income is being funneled by illegal taxi operators.
Fiji Taxi Union (FTU) general secretary Rishi Ram told FijiLive bona fide drivers with proper taxi permits should be earning around $1000 every month.
But because of illegal operators using their private cars and vans for taxi business, not all of the money was coming through.
Ram blamed the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for the situation they were in.
“LTA has made a mistake in allowing over-supply of taxi permits,” he said.
Yesterday, the LTA impounded over 100 vans including 7-seater mini-buses operating illegally along the Suva-Nausori corridor.
Most of the vehicles had expired permits but were still operating.
The LTA has also asked the FTU to ensure taxi drivers around the country honor conditions of their permit which is to provide transport service to the public 24/7.
“We have reminded all the taxi operators to abide by the taxi permit conditions and failure to do so will leave no alternative but to cancel their permits,” Ram said.
The LTA crackdown on illegal operators will be in force for a month.
