Rayalu Warns Taxi Drivers Against Charging Extra for eWallet Payments

Permanent Secretary for Transport, Vatimi Rayalu, has issued a strong warning to taxi drivers who are unlawfully charging passengers extra fees for using eWallet services such as M-PAiSA and MyCash.

Rayalu took to social media to remind the public that the fare displayed on the taxi meter is final and should not be inflated due to withdrawal or transaction fees.

“Taxi drivers are not allowed to charge extra just because you’re using an eWallet,” Rayalu stated. “If the meter shows $5.00, that’s exactly what you pay — not $6.00 or $7.00.”

He highlighted complaints from passengers who say they have been asked to pay an additional $1 or $2 when using mobile payments, often justified by drivers as covering withdrawal fees.

“That’s illegal,” Rayalu emphasized. “No matter how you choose to pay, the fare on the meter is the only amount that should be paid.”

He urged members of the public to report any such incidents to the Consumer Council of Fiji, stressing the need for fair and transparent practices in the transport sector.