Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has urged the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to apply common sense in law enforcement, particularly following a viral video in which a woman was fined $150 for not presenting her e-transport card to an LTA officer in Ra. Tuisawau expressed that the focus of the LTA should shift towards critical issues such as road safety, drunk driving, and other dangerous behaviors on the road, rather than strictly enforcing penalties in situations where context matters.
He mentioned that he has reached out to the LTA’s CEO to address the ongoing challenges faced by customers, particularly related to the e-ticketing system, which includes issues with top-up facilities. Plans are in place to enhance this system, ensuring that it better serves the public, especially those in rural communities and elderly citizens.
Furthermore, the Minister highlighted the importance of officers being aware of the specific circumstances of individuals, recommending a more thoughtful approach when enforcing regulations. Tuisawau also commented on the concerning behavior of intoxicated individuals on buses, urging the public to report such incidents to maintain safe public transport.
In response to public concerns raised via the viral video, LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa acknowledged the challenges facing some users of the e-ticketing system and assured that LTA is working with stakeholders to improve access to top-up facilities. The authority is committed to ensuring that the e-ticketing system remains effective while balancing regulatory compliance to enhance the user experience for all Fijians.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka weighed in, stating that although the LTA officer acted in line with the law, it is crucial to consider how situations could be resolved more reasonably, underscoring the need for both enforcement and understanding in law application.
As a positive note, this situation could foster improvements in public transportation systems and encourage a more community-oriented approach among enforcement officers, prioritizing safety and accessibility for all citizens.
In summary, the Minister of Transport has called for a shift in focus for the LTA to prioritize road safety, encourage commonsense enforcement, and address public concerns regarding the e-ticketing system, all while ensuring that transportation services remain accessible and effective for the population.
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