Taxi Drivers Call for Urgent Attention Amid Ongoing Challenges

The Federation of Hotel Taxis Association (FHTA) has publicly expressed its frustration regarding the pervasive issues taxi drivers are currently facing, emphasizing the lack of response from government authorities. While the organisation welcomed recent measures proposed by the Alliance du Changement, hoping these initiatives will bring meaningful improvements to their difficult circumstances.

The FHTA, representing taxi drivers operating in hotels, is joined in this initiative by the Flacq Taxi Owners Association and numerous taxi drivers from local villages.

Yash Murrakhun, a spokesperson for the FHTA, stressed that their efforts to address these issues have largely gone unacknowledged by the government.

“We have submitted petitions to the Prime Minister, Pravind Jugnauth, and requested meetings with the Minister of Transport, Alan Ganoo. However, all our attempts have been ignored,” he lamented.

“We are at our wit’s end and are seeking a glimmer of hope for the future.”

Murrakhun recalled a forum held at the Quatre-Bornes municipality back in November 2016, where Minister Ganoo had participated.

“At that time, he expressed an understanding of our problems and even proposed solutions.

However, since becoming Minister of Transport, it appears he no longer comprehends our needs. He has not even had a moment to meet with us,” he added.

According to Murrakhun, the operational framework for the taxi sector is outdated and needs significant reforms to enable drivers to progress.

He pointed out the complexities involved in operating a taxi today, saying, “To drive a taxi, one must possess a pass.

If a taxi driver falls ill and wishes to hire a substitute, they must submit a request to the NLTA.

The process is lengthy and can take months. How is the taxi driver supposed to survive in the meantime?”

He highlighted a disparity where rental car companies, tour operators, and even bus companies can easily hire drivers without enduring such bureaucratic hurdles.

Moreover, transferring a taxi license to a child requires submitting an affidavit and navigating through lengthy procedures.

The drivers also expressed concerns about the Taxi Operators Welfare Fund (TOWF), describing it as a burden.

“To renew a taxi license, one must pay Rs 300 each month to the TOWF.

However, if a driver decided to transfer their license to a child, they forfeited all previous payments.

The funds remained in the pool, and their child must create a new account,” Murrakhun explained.

He mentioned that the FHTA had approached various political parties to seek solutions to these issues, but only the Alliance du Changement has been receptive, integrating their suggestions into its electoral platform.

Regarding the Alliance du Changement’s proposal for free transport for all and its potential impact on taxi drivers, Murrakhun asserted that taxis would be included in the scheme.

“I took the initiative to seek clarification on this matter. I was assured that taxis would benefit from this system, and the transport allowance in businesses will not be abolished,” he confirmed.

The FHTA’s complaints were echoed by individuals who have faced bureaucratic challenges.

Isabelle Amélia, whose husband Tony passed away in May, shared her struggle with the TOWF to receive a death grant.

“Initially, I was told my husband had not been up-to-date with payments. After finding receipts that showed payments were made until 2026, I was promised the money would be released within two weeks.

Six months later, I’m still waiting,” she revealed, adding that officials later claimed there were earlier outstanding payments.

Ashvin Limbeea recounted his lengthy ordeal to transfer his father’s taxi license after his father fell ill last year.

“The process took 11 months, and I even had to speak on the radio to expedite it,” he shared.

During the wait, he was unable to operate his father’s taxi while his father was unable to work.

Limbeea expressed his frustration that all the funds his father contributed to the TOWF remain inaccessible.

“The operating license was finally transferred to me, but I had to create a new account at the TOWF.

All the money my father contributed is stuck in the fund; I don’t understand the purpose of these contributions,” he lamented.

Source: Le Mauricien