The second school term commenced yesterday, coinciding with increased traffic congestion in urban areas of Fiji. Motorists, including taxi drivers like Manoj Kumar, are expressing frustration over the gridlock, particularly in high-density areas like Nadera and Nakasi, where short trips can take an hour during peak hours. Kumar believes that the ongoing import of vehicles is exacerbating the situation, questioning, “Where are the cars going to go?”
Local vendor Arieta Navosa, who works near the FNPF Plaza, echoed these sentiments, mentioning that both traffic delays and unreliable bus services disrupt her daily routine, as she often waits over an hour for a bus amidst heavy traffic along routes leading into the capital.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has previously acknowledged these concerns. CEO Irimaia Rokosawa mentioned during a public consultation earlier this year that traffic jams have become increasingly severe along the Suva-Nausori corridor due to a rising number of registered vehicles, which jumped from 144,000 to 154,000 in just one year. This surge prompted discussions about potential measures like placing limits on imported second-hand vehicles and regulating the number of cars households can own.
Rokosawa indicated that these discussions also seek to align vehicle registration practices with road infrastructure development to avoid further congestion issues. These proactive dialogues reflect a community effort to tackle the traffic dilemma collaboratively. By engaging in these consultations, residents are showing a commitment to finding practical solutions to enhance mobility and safety.
As the government contemplates these regulatory changes and adaptations to public transport systems, there is a sense of hope that strategic measures will lead to improved traffic conditions in the future. Enhanced community participation in shaping transportation policies could pave the way for smoother commuting experiences for all Fijians.
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