The Fiji Taxi Union is now calling on the Minister of Transport to approve a new taxi fare structure by the end of next month.

In a letter to the Minister today, Union General Secretary Rishi Ram has listed about 18 reasons asking for the taxi fare hike, including increased taxes and other charges by the LTA and illegal operators affecting profits as well as compulsory FNPF contributions.

Taxi operators are asking for the Flag fall to be raised from $1 to a $1.50 and that the night tariff of 50 cents still applies from 10pm to 6am daily.

Ram also said the LTA Board Chairman informed them during a meeting that there need not be public consultations in the process of fare increases which will speed up the decision making process.

Transport Minister Manu Korovulavula is expected to comment later.

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