Forty three Fijians today received their taxi permits, the first batch in seven years since a freeze on taxi permits was put in place in 2011.

Acting Prime Minister – Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum highlighted that with the new criteria for taxi permits, it sets out to improve the public transportation sector as well empower those low income households that want to venture into their own businesses.

“The criteria is very much eschewed towards empowering people who come from low income families so if you’ve seen the new criteria is says those people who have less than $20 thousand per household, you’d be considered.”

For Widower Elesi Ranavue, the long wait has been well worth it having retired in 2013, today’s event allowing her to put in place her and her late husband’s retirement plans.

“It is just to help me in my missionary work, I’m on missionary work now and I thank God that this business will help my family especially my grandchildren in their education and our everyday life.”

For one of the youngest recipients, 35 year old Mohammed Fareed the permit he says will set him and his family up for a better future.

“Now I’ve got a permit, I’ve got a car as well cause my Dad he has a car which belongs to me so I’m gonna put a permit and make the thing go on taxi right so at least I’ll have a family background, something for my own self that might be my future safety right.”

Land Transport Authority Board Chairman Vijay Maharah says there is a need for a more standardized and professional public transport sector.

The revamped criteria he says is steering Fiji into a new era.

“There is a huge demand for public service vehicles and there are many people who wish to tap into the industry so they can be independent.”

Effectively though for these new permit holders, today’s event allows them to be their own boss and take care of business.