Flic-en-Flac Taxi Strike Triggers NLTA Probe Into Hotel Rank Dispute

A taxi strike in Flic-en-Flac, one of Mauritius's busiest tourist beach strips on the west coast, has prompted the country's transport minister to order a formal government investigation into working conditions at two major hotels. Minister of Transport Osman Mahomed announced on 17 September, via his official Facebook page, that the National Land Transport Authority (NLTA) — the government body that regulates road and taxi transport in Mauritius — has assigned an experienced inspection officer to investigate the situation at Pearle Beach Hotel and Gold Beach Hotel in Flic-en-Flac. **What triggered the strike?** The dispute centres on a practice that hotel-based taxi drivers say is cutting into their livelihoods: taxis operating outside the hotels' official designated ranks are allegedly picking up fares that should go to drivers formally stationed at those hotels. In Mauritius, many hotels maintain official taxi ranks where licensed drivers are assigned to serve guests. These drivers depend on a steady flow of hotel customers as their primary source of income. When outside taxis move in to take those rides, it can significantly undermine their earnings. In his statement — delivered partly in Mauritian Creole — Minister Mahomed said: "An NLTA charge has delegated an experienced inspection officer to investigate the problems at Pearle Beach Hotel and Gold Beach Hotel, where it is alleged that taxis operating outside the official hotel bases are taking work from taxi drivers assigned to those hotels, affecting their profitability." **What happens next?** The minister confirmed that the NLTA will take appropriate action based on the findings of the inspection report. No timeline was given for the completion of the probe or any potential sanctions. **What this means** For taxi drivers at the affected hotels, the investigation is a first step toward official recognition of a complaint that has apparently been building long enough to cause a work stoppage. For hotel guests and tourists in the area, any disruption to taxi services at beachside resorts can affect transfers, day trips, and general mobility — particularly for visitors without private transport. More broadly, the case highlights ongoing tensions in Mauritius's taxi sector, where informal competition and a lack of enforcement at designated ranks remain persistent grievances. The NLTA's response — and whether it leads to concrete action — will be closely watched by taxi operators across the island. Flic-en-Flac is one of Mauritius's most popular tourist destinations, known for its long sandy beach and concentration of hotels, restaurants, and water sports operators on the west coast of the island. Source: ION News