Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has urged the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to exercise common sense in the enforcement of laws following a viral video incident where a woman was fined $150 for not presenting her e-transport card to an LTA officer in Ra. The minister emphasized that the focus should be on more pressing issues, such as road safety, drunk driving, and careless driving.
In an interview with Fiji One News, Tuisawau expressed concerns about the e-ticketing system’s current effectiveness, indicating that there are ongoing issues, including problems with top-up machines. He has instructed the LTA to prioritize addressing issues like reckless driving and speeding, while also considering the unique challenges faced by residents in rural areas, particularly the elderly.
Tuisawau highlighted that LTA officers need to utilize common sense, particularly in light of the concerning rate of road fatalities linked to speeding, driving under the influence, and overall irresponsible driving behavior. The minister also addressed recent incidents involving intoxicated individuals harassing passengers on public transport, emphasizing the importance of personal responsibility among the public to ensure the safety of all travelers.
The LTA’s Chief Executive Officer, Irimaia Rokosawa, acknowledged public concerns and clarified that the e-ticketing system is part of an effort to modernize Fiji’s transport sector, providing increased transparency and convenience. However, he also admitted that many individuals, especially in rural regions, are grappling with challenges related to accessing top-up services.
In light of these concerns, the LTA is working closely with vendors and stakeholders to improve access to top-up facilities and is reviewing public feedback to enhance the system’s functionality. The authority is committed to balancing compliance with regulations while ensuring that public transport remains accessible and user-friendly for all Fijians.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also weighed in on the situation, stating that the LTA officer acted according to the law but noted that the application of the law could be handled more reasonably in certain situations.
This call for common-sense enforcement of regulations reflects a commitment to community-oriented governance, where safety measures are balanced with understanding the everyday challenges residents face. As improvements to the e-ticketing system and enforcement measures come into play, there is hope for a more equitable and user-friendly public transport environment in Fiji.
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