There are now high hopes that the behavior and conduct of Public Service Vehicle drivers will dramatically improve following the implementation of the drivers Code of Conduct.

The code covers bus, taxi and mini bus drivers.

The comprehensive code demands respect, integrity and honesty from PSV drivers while they render transportation services to the public. Respect is depicted through their dressing, verbal communication and attitude with passengers.

The code outlines neat and tidy dressing, which means drivers must not wear: Round neck t shirts with sleeves cut off's, hats, beanies, chokers, ear rings or facial piercing, flip flops and slippers are also prohibited.

Instead PSV drivers must wear proper collar or round neck t shirts and shirts must be worn with long pants.

All drivers must wear close shoes and sandals.

It is also stated that all PSV drivers must properly and neatly maintain their beard and moustache.
 
Passenger safety requires the PSV not get into motion if the passenger is not safely seated inside the vehicle.

Drivers must also avoid talking to passengers unless it is for safety or matters relating to the journey.

Talk is considered a distraction compromising passenger safety along with counting money while driving, using mobile phones and smoking.

The code also makes it clear that PSV drivers cannot stop their vehicles anywhere to pick up passengers and they will be taken to task if they stop in the middle of the road or where the road markings do not allow the vehicles to stop.

Traffic hazard lights are also not allowed in these situations.

The Land Transport Authority has confirmed that three bookings of breaches of the Public Service Vehicle drivers Code of Conduct will result in suspension of licenses for a period up to one year.

LTA chief executive officer Naisa Tuinaceva said PSV drivers need to get accustomed to the requirements of the Code before next month when enforcement officers would be out on Fiji roads to monitor compliance.

He added that they will have special teams on the roads around the country on February 12 and they have also sought the support of their stakeholders like the Fiji Taxi Union, Bus Operators, and Minibus operators to inform members of provisions of the code.

LTA will work with police to enforce this code and three bookings of the same offence will mean a suspension of the license for a period up to one year B depending on the severity of the offence.

It is also clearly stated that bus drivers must not refuse any primary school student from boarding the school bus from school who has no fare for whatever reasons.

The code states that the driver must take down the student’s details and the bus company must inform the school of such incident later for them to facilitate the payment of fare by contacting the child's parents and guardians.

Many people Fijivillage News has spoken to have welcomed the PSV Code of Conduct, saying this is long overdue as the drivers need to behave in a professional manner, respect passengers and the road rules.

They say so many times PSV drivers have been rude and stop anywhere on the road, not thinking of other drivers and people on the road.

The General Secretary of Fiji Taxi Union, Rishi Ram said the step taken by LTA will improve the image of the Taxi industry in the country.

Ram said they are happy that LTA has come up with the Code of Conduct for the PSV drivers which they had always requested for.