As bus and taxi fares increase from this morning, the Land Transport Authority has reiterated its stand on the use of taxi meters.

LTA media manager Ratu Eroni Volavola said taxi drivers and permit holders should refrain from giving false information to passengers or face harsh penalties resulting in the dismissal of their taxi permit and disqualification of driving license.

He said they are aware of some taxi drivers in Nadi Town refusing to use taxi meters and are falsely claiming that the directive is from LTA and is calling on people to report to LTA if they encounter such problems.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Bus Operators Association is pleased with the bus fare increase approved by the government, however, it does not cover the increased costs.

Association president Zane Dean said that the independent consultants appointed by the Transport Ministry and LTA this February have determined that bus fares in Fiji were under priced and recommended an immediate increase in fares by 10 cents per stage.