TPU President “Authorities are not paying attention to the many problems”

According to Raffick Bahadoor, president of TPU, the authorities have not assumed their share of responsibility.

He stated that if the number of accidents on the roads is on the rise, the authorities are to be blamed partly.

He pointed out that despite the strict laws and regulations, the traffic situation is worsening.

“It is unfair to blame drivers for all the mishaps on the roads. Many traffic signs as well as tracks are in bad condition and quite often accidents occur because of the irresponsibility of motorcyclists and pedestrians,” he said.

Bahadoor highlighted that no distinction can be made between the license plate of a taxi and that of a private car, which causes confusion. He pointed out that license plate ‘supports’ the operation of unlicensed taxis, at the expense of taxi drivers.

He stated that he is disappointed with the refusal of the minister of Transport to open negotiations with the taxi union to solve their problems.

Bahadoor said that taxis do not have any incentives like other sectors. “Till now no provident fund has been established for the benefit of taxi drivers. In the case of death of a taxi driver, his family faces financial hardship with no compensation,”