LTA warns taxi drivers based near airports to use meters

It has been going on for years where many taxi drivers who are based near the airports overcharge passengers and do not have taxi meters to charge the true and actual taxi fare.

Now the Land Transport Authority has called on the taxi drivers to stop the illegal practice or drastic action will be taken against them.

LTA Chief Executive Officer Naisa Tuinaceva said the authority has been receiving complaints on the issue and has started investigations.

Tuinaceva said some drivers have refused to use a taxi meter and have charged a fixed rate while conveying the passenger from point A to B adding these drivers have demanded or collected fares to be paid to them in a foreign currency especially in Australian, New Zealand and American dollars which they obviously use to buy local dollars at a higher amount.

Tuinaceva said taxi fares are dictated by meters or according to a fare table as sanctioned by the LTA.

However, LTA is aware that there are operators and drivers who have been setting their own fares, with the intent of overcharging tourists and locals.

He added those found violating fare provisions are likely to have their permit and drivers license suspended.


Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa & Vijay Narayan