Public transport services in Fiji are under scrutiny as the Consumer Council of Fiji reports a significant increase in complaints this year. With the transport sector now ranking among the top ten areas of concern nationwide, Chief Executive Seema Shandil highlights several troubling issues raised by consumers.
One of the foremost complaints is drivers refusing to accept electronic payment cards and insisting on cash transactions, which has created frustration among passengers. Additionally, the behavior of drivers has come under fire, with reports of rudeness and taxi drivers declining to take passengers on short-distance trips. Shandil emphasizes that such refusals are illegal and that passengers are entitled to service regardless of their travel distance.
Concerns extend beyond payment and driver interaction; passengers are also highlighting inadequate conditions within buses. Issues such as poor seating, inadequate ventilation, and sanitation problems have been reported, along with the annoyance of loud music playing during rides. Shandil notes that these persistent problems reflect a fundamental inconsistency in service delivery and adherence to regulatory standards in the transport sector.
In light of these issues, the Consumer Council is urging for stricter compliance with regulations to enhance service quality and safeguard consumer rights. This push for improvement in public transport services aims to restore confidence among passengers and ensure a more pleasant travel experience for all.
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