TAXI operators in the Sugar City should be able to provide around-the-clock service if they organise themselves better.
This is the view of Land Transport Authority CEO Naisa Tuinaceva.
He said taxi operators needed to seriously look at peak and off-peak times and work out a schedule that gave residents of Lautoka 24-hours, 7-days service.
"Taxi operators can work out a schedule where all vehicles are present at peak times and when things are a bit slow, some drivers can go home and rest and return to do night shifts," he said.
"This can be rotated among the drivers so that everybody gets an equal share of the transport market รน this could wipe out the illegal transport trade."
Mr Tuinaceva made the comment after the Lautoka Taxi Operators Association raised concerns about the continuing trade of illegal transport operators in the city.
"We cannot provide 24-hour service while illegal operators are around," said association general secretary Feroz Dean.
"Passengers prefer to use them because they offer cheaper rates than the metered fare.
"Unless these operators are removed, it does not make sense for our drivers to drive around empty while illegal operators steal business from right under our noses."