Taxi services is a basic service that most people rely on when traveling places and is a normal sight in Port Moresby, however the same could not be said for outisde centers of PNG who rely mostly on PMV’s and their good old fleet.
That’s about to change for Wabag District in the Enga Province with the introduction of the Wabag TAXI services by a local man who decided to challenge himself by starting this service on Monday.
Robert Angoman, 48 year old from Wakumale village in Wabag District, was a taxi driver in Port Moresby back in the late 90’s when there was not a lot of taxi services around.
“It was easy to make money back then when there wasn’t a lot of taxi services around and the money was good with less competition,” Mr. Angoman recalled.
“When I came back home to Wabag, I noticed the influx of people in the district for employment and others for informal work and I decided to start my Wabag Taxi Services.”
The father of 5 bought a small used sedan through online purchase two weeks ago and formally registered his taxi business with the Wabag Lands and Transport Board.
“I filled out all the necessary paperwork to start the Wabag Taxi Service,” Mr. Angoman added.
“Wabag is developing, with the new schools and hospitals and we have to seize the opportunity and grow,” he said.
“No one providing taxi service in Enga so I have decided to put my hands up and do this.”
Mr. Angoman said the condition of the main highway in the province is by far the best, making it possible for his car to travel to and fro. He charges K5 for any travel within the Wabag town vicinity, whilst the travel to the villages further away from the town he charges K15.
“If all goes well and according to the demand from my customers I will extend my service to Wapenamanda District,” Mr. Angoman said.
“The Wapenamanda Airport is almost open so I like to provide my taxi service there as well.”