A local taxi stand in town is gearing up to welcome visitors to Samoa including Samoans abroad when international borders open from next Monday 1 August. 

The Town Area Taxi Services at Fugalei are committed to the cause and fully attired for the occasion, with all of the fleet's 60 drivers getting new uniforms to wear three days of the week, in preparation for the border's opening. 

On Monday morning, the drivers displayed their uniform which they will be wearing every Monday starting next month. 

The President of the Town Area Taxi Services, Kiliri Lafi told the media that they will also have two different sets of uniforms for Wednesdays and Fridays. 

"The Government has announced the opening of our borders and to welcome back tourists and our Samoan people residing overseas," Kiliri said. 

"So we discussed that we should prepare for that and lift up the standards of our service so it isn't just for the tourist, but also the many people coming back to Samoa for the celebration of our 60 years independence celebration. 

"We agreed that we will have uniforms for Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays so it isn't just uniforms but we also decided to upgrade our cars, keep them clean so that we look presentable when serving our community and to welcome back our guests when the borders open up."

Kiliri, as a taxi operator, said they have not been spared the impact of the global pandemic including the in-country lockdown over the last two years. 

"We tried our best to meet ends, we really struggled throughout the lockdowns with people being asked to stay home. 

"We also had to comply with the State of Emergency Orders. It was not an easy time for us but we also looked at other avenue to get money during those challenging times."

Despite the challenges they faced, Kiliri said they are excited that Samoa's borders will finally open to the outside world. 

Teamwork according to Kiliri is key and they are looking at improving their services for local customers as well as the guests coming to Samoa starting next month. 

"We are from different parts of the country and we have drivers from Savai'i who are here with us. 

"We are all working together to make sure that we serve the public with the best of our ability. This is our contribution to the government and Samoa's preparations not only in celebrating our 60th Independence Celebrations but also in welcoming our guests. 

"We want our people to enjoy our service and we are trying our best to improve our services to the people of Samoa. 

"We take pride in what we do and we hope that we will continue to serve the country with nothing but the best."

Kiliri then used the opportunity to acknowledge the support and partnership of the Frankies Supermarket and the community.