Better to operate legally: Cabmen

PEOPLE in towns and cities depend daily on a safe and efficient public transport service.
Some commuters, especially in Port Moresby have become very security-conscious and private taxi operators could sometimes find themselves missing out on business.
The National recently interviewed two such taxi operators in Port Moresby who have decided to operate under a recognised company, after considering the negative aspects of operating privately.
One of the operators, Clem Puri, says safety and security are the first things that come to mind when travelling on public transport.
He said taxi drivers should not fear traffic police but instead abide by rules for the safety of their passengers.
He said it was illegal operators who feared traffic police at road blocks because they did not have proper permits to operate PMVs or did not have metres installed in their vehicles.
“I feel it is not good operating without a proper PMV permit, without a ‘T’ plate or taxi meter,” the father of three who came to Port Moresby in 2014 said.
Operating a taxi in Port Moresby under a company is better, he says.
He said operating outside of traffic laws resulted in unnecessary payments of fines, which in turn affected his family income.
“I sometimes find it hard to meet my vehicle’s repair expenses and even meet family needs.
“I am thankful that I now operate in an existing company, which saves costs,” he said.
Daniel Apal, who started as school bus driver but now operates his own cab, also spoke of his experience of operating under a company. Apal, who now successfully operates under Kanny Trans Taxi Service, said he had to save up from his fortnightly earnings to get a second hand taxi.
An advantage of operating in a company PMV is that drivers had easy passage at police road blocks, he said.
This is because PMV companies meet all traffic licencing and registration requirements and kept their buses and taxis in good condition.
He also urged other taxi drivers to operate under a legitimate company for a safe, efficient and reliable transport services.