Inoke Temo says it’s time to look into the entire minibus community
MEET Inoke Temo, a 51-year-old minibus driver who has been steering his way through the streets of Viti Levu since 1996.
Inoke's journey began before the formal legalisation of the Viti Minibus Corporation, at a pivotal time when the transport landscape was undergoing significant changes.
In 1996, the minibus industry operated in a somewhat informal fashion, with drivers like Inoke providing essential transportation services without the backing of official regulations.
It was an era where the need for organised and regulated public transport was palpable, leading to discussions about the formal establishment of the Viti Minibus Corporation.
The turning point came in 1999, when Mahendra Chaudhry assumed the role of Prime Minister.
The government, recognising the importance of a structured public transportation system, pushed for the legalisation of the
Viti Minibus Corporation. This move aimed to enhance the quality of service, ensure safety standards, and bring about a more organised public transportation system for the people of Fiji.
However, the optimism that surrounded these plans quickly dimmed when the political landscape took a tumultuous turn in 2000.
The coup d'état disrupted the normal course of governance, putting everything on hold, including the proposed improvements to the Viti Minibus Corporation.
Unfortunately, the momentum gained in the preceding years dissipated, leaving the minibus drivers in a state of uncertainty.
Fast forward to the present day, and Inoke finds himself operating in a system largely unchanged since the late 1990s.
Despite initial intentions to revamp and enhance the minibus sector, the aftermath of the coup left these plans in limbo, creating a vacuum in the development of Fiji's public transportation infrastructure.
In the absence of comprehensive reforms, drivers like Inoke rely on a system marked by simplicity and, some might argue, stagnation.
Obtaining a yellow number plate from the Land Transport Authority is a straightforward process, serving as de facto permission to operate as a minibus driver.
The simplicity of this procedure, however, doesn't address the deeper issues that have plagued the industry for years.
One of the notable consequences of this stagnation is the fixed base rate that drivers like Inoke must pay.
With little room for negotiation or adaptation to market dynamics, this fixed-rate system can be both a blessing and a curse.
On one hand, it provides a level of financial predictability for drivers, but on the other hand, it lacks the flexibility needed to respond to changing economic conditions or fuel price fluctuations.
He also shared that there is a lack of unity among minibus drivers, which has somehow made some drivers greedy.
One significant reason for this disunity may be the absence of a formalised platform that brings drivers together.
A collective association, or union, could serve as a vital conduit for communication and collaboration.
Such an organisation would empower drivers to collectively voice their concerns, negotiate with relevant authorities, and work towards common objectives that benefit the entire minibus community.
"The absence of a dedicated platform for customers to voice concerns and complaints regarding minibus drivers who neglect road rules and compromise passenger safety is a critical gap in the current system."
"This lack of an effective feedback mechanism not only leaves passengers feeling unheard but also poses potential risks to their well-being."
The popular minibus stand behind Village 6 Cinema has become a focal point for drivers seeking passengers.
Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, Inoke and his fellow drivers wait for passengers to fill their minibuses, navigating the complexities of an unstructured system that has persisted for decades.