Taxi operators will have to pay an annual public service vehicle (PSV) levy when Government enforces its open taxi rank system, says Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Minister Faiyaz Koya.
He said this in response to a question from Government MP Rohit Sharma in Parliament last Thursday.
Mr Sharma had asked the minister to explain how the open taxi rank system would benefit members of the public, taxi operators and drivers.
Mr Koya said the system would provide uniformity across the board for all taxis.
“Essentially, it will get rid of the different terminologies that we currently have such as base taxis, stand taxis and zone taxis,” he said.
“The open taxi rank will allow for taxis in Fiji to operate within their designated zones on a first in, first out basis.
“Similar to most countries around the world, and the removal of base stands and station fees that public service vehicle permit holders pay and replace it with an annual PSV levy.”
He said the annual PSV levy for taxis would depend on whether it was rural or urban based.
“It will also remove somewhat of a stronghold that a very few number of operators have on certain bases and despite not being able to meet the demand for taxis in that area, it does not affect private-base owners.”
