The Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) is working on a legal transport fare system to ensure there is a fair pricing structure.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Public Land Transport Authority, Reginald Tabi, told VBTC News that the system is included in this year’s business plan.

“This is a priority that triggers other work. For instance, we want to have a proper, fair, legal transport system to start off with, and it has many amendments that will take place.”

One clear example is the transport system where taxis will use meters.

“Hopefully our taxi drivers will start to use these taxi meters under the transport fare order that will be released to be used with the taxi meter. We are working on trials of the taxi meter and taxi apps to do bookings.”

However, some taxi drivers who spoke to VBTC News today said they had used meters before and they did not work well because of poor road conditions.

They said the electronic device works well when there are good roads.

One member of the public, Hanson Simrai, said the use of meters is good.

“I think it’s good when we charge a reasonable amount instead of charging the same price for a short distance as we do for a long distance.”

Lokol Lenge Tari also supported the idea.

“I think it’s good because when someone is in Pango going to Tagabe it is VT150 and it’s a short distance, so I support this new system to make everything 50-50 fair.”

Mr Tabi said that once the transport system work is ready, it can be submitted to the Minister concerned for consideration.