Recently, I had families from overseas visit us.
Many of them rented vehicles from different rental car companies. Unfortunately, most of the vehicles rented were below standard and services provided were unexpected from a tourist point of view.
One relative changed vehicle three times; another didn’t have replacement vehicles and one company rented a vehicle that had private number plates on it. And the same company had five more vehicles in the yard with private registration plates as well.
How does the Land Transport Authority (LTA) pass these vehicles as fit for public service? Aren’t there standards for rental car companies? Is there a criterion on the age limit of a rental vehicles?
My family and I wasted time running after these rental car companies. I don’t blame my relatives as these rental vehicles advertised on Facebook offered rates at $50 per day that were shiny (supposedly).
However, we learnt the hard way! It is better to pay a little bit more from reputable rental car companies that offer better and safer vehicles.
My question to LTA is, where is the enforcement? Private vehicles being rented out and below standard rental vehicles on our roads is a question of safety.
I asked a friend who is familiar with LTA, and he said the authority had better things to do then run after unscrupulous wheelers and dealers. Plus, he said this was a decade old issue and would never change.
It is only after my relatives faced these unwarranted ordeals while on holiday here that I write to the respective authorities.
Please, keep our roads safe because such issues reflect badly on the nation as a tourist destination.
Story By: Jagen Prasad
Feedback: letters@fijisun.com.fj