April 1, 2010

Taxi fare increases for Vanua Levu


Theresa Ralogaivau 

Fiji Times - Thursday, April 01, 2010
NORTHERN consumers will pay more in taxi fares after a decision by the Land Transport Authority to impose a surcharge on current fare rates.
The current rate of 10 cents for every 200 metres is expected to be increased soon to meet the demands of taxi operators who have claimed heavy losses in profit margins since the meter was first introduced in Vanua Levu on September 15 2009.
Land Transport Authority spokesman Ratu Eroni Volavola said the flagfall of $1.50 in the day and $2 after 10pm would not be changed.
The surcharge, he said. was an acknowledgement of the differences in costs incurred by northern taxi operators who pay more for fuel and vehicle parts than their Viti Levu peers.
Labasa Taxi Union president Birja Nand Sharma said already the cab drivers were looking forward to the increase.
"We have suffered heavy profit losses since the installation of meters," he said.

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