Some taxi and bus drivers are in support of establishing their own associations to effectively interact with the government and help present their interests and issues they are facing within the transport industry.

The United Nations’ Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) recommended in a report that organisations such as the Bus Operators Association or the Taxi Drivers Association allow the interests and concerns of the public transport operators to be heard for ongoing improvement of their services.

Kone, a bus driver from Saleapaga, said, “It would be something good. I fully support this idea to form an association.”

He said that it has been a long time since there was an increase in passenger fares. 

"Fuel prices are rising, and many bus and taxi drivers are struggling. It's a good idea, that is, if every taxi and bus driver agrees,” he said.

“Servicing our vehicles are getiing expensive, it does not compensate for how much we are making at the moment.” 

Additionally, he said that bad roads also impact taxi drivers, leading to increased maintenance costs. 

“We need an association, so they can look into these problems. Hopefully, the government and LTA will approve of such a thing,” said Kone.

“I feel like the government is not willing to help; most drivers and owners are depending on loans from banks nowadays. We always need money for repairs.” 

Etuale, a bus driver from Lefaga, said, “I agree, we need one so that we can present our interests to the government.”

He explained that there are a lot of challenges affecting the transport industry. “We need an increase in fares; making a living is increasingly challenging.” 

However, he worries that if passenger fares do increase, it would be hard for both taxi and bus drivers to get passengers.

“If there is an increase in fares, passengers will face higher costs,” he said.

“An association will prioritise such problems and present them to the government. So, I fully support forming an association.” 

Jay, a Vaitele-based taxi driver from Leauva’a, also said he supports the idea.

“There are a lot of things taxi drivers are struggling with, and the government needs to know.”

Jay advocates for an increase in taxi fares, and he added, “We are trying to earn as much as we can for our families.” 

“I make twenty or fifty tala in a day, but it is not enough to buy everything that the household needs. Bus drivers are in luck because they get more passengers; it is not the same for us taxi drivers.”