Taxi fare increase

I wouldn't normally side with the taxi industry, but I guess as everyone, they need a fair go. The Taxi industry's asking for a fare increase, and it seems as usual, they're facing stiff resistance.

Considering the increase in cost of living and generally the cost of owning a car and just generally being on road, I reckon it's a fair ask. What prompts me to write this is the following article which appeared in the Fiji Times, especally the comment in bold print.

As much as I agree with him on the point of quality of service and safety, I'd certainly not agree with him the emissions issue. A major part of the blame for the emissions lie fairly and squarely on the quality of diesel fuels available. Of course the road conditions take a heavy toll on the condition of the cars themselves.

The above is not to say that the taxi drivers are all saints and not responsible. Infact the taxi drivers in this country are quite simply the worst I've seen anywhere. I guess what I am trying to say, is that if the taxi industry is fairly compensated, some of the problems with service will disappear...

Council against taxi fare increase - Fiji Times Online: "Council against taxi fare increase
Wednesday, February 08, 2006

FIJI's consumer watchdog yesterday lashed out at the Fiji Taxi Union for wanting another fare increase without consulting relevant stakeholders.

Consumer Council of Fiji's acting executive secretary Josua Mudreilagi said it seemed the union was trying to fast-track a fare increase without considering the opinion of consumers.

'Any increase should be fair and take into account not just inflation factors but other non-price components such as quality of service, emission, safety, properly licensed taxi licence holders and so forth,' he said.

On the union's statement that there was no need for any public submission on their application for an increase, Mr Mudreilagi said it was an attempt by taxi operators to bypass consumer and public input and opinion on the matter, which contradicted the principles of consultation, transparency and good governance.

'The problem with the taxi industry is that there is no uniformity in standard of vehicles and services.

'While we have some good operators, we also have a large number of taxis in poor condition.

'The quality of the inside of taxis is not the same all around.

'There are vehicles with engines that emit high emission and pollutants that are health risks.'

He said it was unfair for taxi operators to attribute high smoke emission to the high content of sulphur in fuel.'There are factors such owning a second-hand car.

'To blame adulterated fuel is to ignore the low condition of taxis.'

Fiji Council Of Social Services executive director Hassan Khan said a fare increase would affect the industry because more people would prefer to travel by bus or minibus.

He agreed that the taxi service had not improved."

An account of Public Service driver behaviour.

Voice of the People - Fiji Times Online: "Defensive driving

The driver of a white Hilux twin-cab GM402 belonging to the Public Works Department in Nadi raced past me on the opposite side of the three-way Denarau intersection at Namotomoto towards Nadi Airport.

It turned sharply to the left in front of me to rejoin my lane hitting pot holes.

It continued at high speed turning left towards Navakai PWD depot.

The amazing thing is that I called at 8am to complain to the PWD supervisor about the crazy driving. He completely denied that the vehicle was in Nadi.

The supervisor did not know that I had followed the vehicle and talked to the person at the depot who identified the driver to me.

The supervisor said that he was with the driver at Navolau at the same time my wife and I saw and identified the vehicle.

Is it possible that this is what the L.T.A advertise as defensive driving?

With all the expenses being paid by the taxpayers we would expect better care of public properties.

It may be that the driver of the vehicle was the supervisor himself.

Semi Tuleca
Nadi"

Loud music an offence on Public Transport

Loud music an offence - Fiji Times Online: "Loud music an offence
Tuesday, February 07, 2006

PLAYING loud music in Public Service Vehicles is an offence and can result in serious penalties for drivers, the Land Transport Authority said yesterday.

LTA public relations officer, Veronica Malani said under regulation 46 of LTA's traffic regulations, taxis and buses found playing loud music were liable to pay a $25 fine.

'They can be issued with a Traffic Infringement Notice and any LTA officer has the authority to book them if they are found playing loud music in their vehicles,' Ms Malani said. She said playing loud music could be a contributing factor in road accidents and drivers needed to be cautious and more considerate of their passengers, and people and vehicles around them.

Fiji Bus Operators Association president, Pyara Singh said buses should not be playing loud music as drivers needed to be alert to hear signals from other vehicles and other warning signs.

'Music is good but it should not be played so loud that it becomes a nuisance. Drivers need to ensure their passengers are comfortable, happy and safe.' Mr Singh said people who had complaints regarding loud music in buses should lodge a complaint with the FBOA so the association could deal with bus owners.

Ms Malani encouraged the public to come forward and report such traffic offences to the LTA so appropriate action could be taken.

'Anyone who comes across this problem can report to our call centre through our toll free line on 0800 3342 886 while prepaid customers can text 582 and give information on the vehicle and incident.

Meanwhile, the Lomaloma road on the Labasa-Savusavu highway was partly open to light traffic yesterday while 15 roads in the Labasa and Seaqaqa areas remained closed to all traffic. Heavy rain during the weekend had also damaged some of the roads that were repaired by the Public Works Department last week.

Road engineer Fernando Amarapala said surveys were bein"

A Fiji Times Letter to the editor - Road conditions

"Road conditions

I THINK the cartoon (FT 4/2) hit the nail on the head.

I wonder if all senior civil servants watching the Wellington 7s paid for their way or were in Wellington for some official engagement.

With all the complaints about bad roads, the man responsible for roads was enjoying himself there.

Vimlesh Kumar
Lautoka"