The Minister for Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has urged the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to exhibit common sense in its enforcement of laws following the circulation of a viral video showing a woman being fined $150 for not presenting an e-transport card to an LTA officer in Ra.
In a statement to Fiji One News, Tuisawau emphasized the need to prioritize critical issues such as road safety, drunk driving, and speeding, rather than focusing solely on the strict enforcement of regulatory measures. He revealed that he reached out to the LTA’s CEO to discuss operational challenges, including issues related to machines used for topping up e-transport cards.
The Minister underlined the significance of understanding unique circumstances faced by rural community residents and the elderly, suggesting that LTA officers should apply discretion in their enforcement practices. He acknowledged the incumbent issues of road fatalities and irresponsible driving behaviors and called for a change in focus towards those pressing concerns.
Additionally, Tuisawau condemned incidents of public intoxication and harassment on buses, urging the community to work together to ensure passenger safety. He framed his appeal within the context of a recent video featuring an intoxicated man, highlighting the ongoing need for vigilance in public transport environments.
The LTA has recognized the community’s concerns regarding the viral incident involving bus card inspections. CEO Irimaia Rokosawa stated the importance of the e-ticketing system, which was established to modernize Fiji’s transportation and provide transparency and accountability. The LTA is aware of challenges some individuals face, particularly in rural areas where top-up facilities may be limited.
In response to these challenges, the LTA is actively collaborating with vendors and stakeholders to enhance access to e-ticketing services. The authority is also conducting a thorough review of feedback from the public to improve system functionality and make provisions for more widespread access to recharge facilities.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged that while the LTA officer followed legal protocols, the reasonable execution of the law needs to be considered in similar situations.
This situation highlights the ongoing dialogue between authorities and the public regarding the balance between regulatory compliance and practical enforcement, ensuring a safe and accessible transportation system for all citizens.
As the LTA works to refine its approach and address the issues raised, there is hope that positive changes will lead to enhanced safety and user experience for all passengers in Fiji’s public transport system.
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