Passengers in rural areas of Fiji are facing significant difficulties in recharging their bus cards, as many local retailers and vendors lack the necessary equipment to provide top-up services. Resident Vishal Narayan addressed these issues during the Meet the Press and Public Forum in Labasa, emphasizing that individuals in remote parts of Vanua Levu heavily rely on bus transportation but have limited access to card top-up facilities.
Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad responded to these concerns, acknowledging the unique challenges faced by those in remote areas and affirming that the government is actively working to improve access to essential services. He stated, “We are asking providers, particularly those that are tasked with improving access, to step up.” To that end, projects aimed at enhancing connectivity, such as those utilizing Starlink technology and improvements in infrastructure like cable laying between Labasa and Seaqaqa, are currently underway.
Additionally, Prasad addressed inquiries about the Universal Service Fund, which supports communications in underserved areas, ensuring that the fund is being utilized to connect communities and bring services to long-neglected regions. He expressed confidence that rural residents are gradually benefiting from enhanced digital and transport services: “We have said very clearly that we want to connect those that are not connected.”
This situation parallels ongoing developments related to the public transport system in Fiji, as highlighted by other recent articles. Both the government and service providers like Vodafone have been under scrutiny for delays and inefficiencies in the e-ticketing system — issues which have led to complaints from commuters regarding wait times and the reliability of the service. Positive strides, such as the introduction of offline top-up capabilities and responsive customer service efforts, indicate progress in addressing these frustrations.
Overall, with the government’s commitment to enhancing accessibility and the ongoing collaboration with service providers, there is emerging hope that improvements to both urban and rural transport systems will lead to a more efficient and user-friendly experience for the public. As initiatives roll out, the focus remains on ensuring that all citizens, particularly those in underserved areas, receive the support they need for their daily commuting needs.
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