Alamagoto and nearby residents will benefit from a brand new Samoa Citi Service taxi stand launched with the ambition to become the most trusted service in transportation. 

The business’ Operation Manager, Mano Pinati Tofaeono from Letogo, said despite the taxi stand being a new development, all 23 drivers at the new stand are experienced in the field.

"As you can see our motto, 'reliable service', and the reason why is because it will serve as a reminder to our drivers that passengers need to be safe when with them," said the 35-year-old.

"The nation needs to be safe within their care and service, including going the extra mile; for example when they are transporting the elderly, they should not just be at the wheel, they also need to assist them out of and into the car.

"As well as nurturing the trust of families and parents who transport their children through taxis, we all know what is often being heard nowadays with what is happening with young girls."

Mr. Tofaeono said it is such worries they aim to put an end to through their reliable service for their customers.

He said there is not much difference between their new taxi stand and the others, however, the most important thing is the collaboration with the relevant authorities and taxi stands to ensure the safety of their customers.

"What is most important is to foster that belief within the people that they are safe with our service," he said.

The launching of the Samoa Citi Service started with a devotion service by Reverend Faatafa Nefu of the Alamagoto E.F.K.S., followed by a celebratory feast.

The business' focus on customer safety comes after a recent spate of assaults on mostly female passengers.

Supreme Court Justice, Vui Clarence Nelson, has issued a stern warning to taxi drivers against taking “advantage” of young girls, noting the increasing prevalence of disturbing behaviour by drivers.  

In remarks made by Vui in August while sentencing a taxi driver found guilty of assaulting a 13-year-old girl to two years' imprisonment.

“The message needs to go out in unequivocal terms not only to all men but to taxi drivers in particular that if you have a young female alone in your taxi at night, your responsibility is to transport her safely to where she wants to go not to do other things to her," Vui said.