No need for more public service vehicles after nightclubs close - Bala

There is no need to have more public service vehicles or private cars to operate as hire vehicles after nightclubs close early in the morning in Suva and Nadi.

Local Government and Transport Minister, Parveen Bala has made this clear after questions raised by SODELPA MP, Aseri Radrodro to inform parliament of the impact of government’s policy to extend nightclub hours, and patrons coming out in the early hours of the morning.

Radrodro said many patrons are not able to secure public transport vehicles which is a contributing factor to the deaths of two youths in Samabula last month. 

Bala said he has already spoken to the SCC, and the taxi numbers are sufficient in the early hours of the morning.

He said SCC records show that they have 2,044 taxis and 250 mini bus licenses issued for the city area.

Out of this, 20 percent of the vehicles operate during the early hours of the morning.

SODELPA MP, Niko Nawaikula then asked Bala to assure the people that there will be no illegal taxis or unlicensed drivers on the roads.