Tap-On Troubles Could Push Fiji Bus Fares Up, LTA Warns

Passengers failing to adhere to the national e-ticketing system could face rising bus fares, according to a warning from the Land Transport Authority (LTA). Chief Executive Irimaia Rokosawa has highlighted that fare evasion, linked to non-compliance with the mandatory tap-on system, is resulting in significant revenue losses for bus operators. This financial strain poses a threat to the sustainability of their operations.

Rokosawa cautioned that if fare evasion continues unabated, the operators may have little choice but to seek fare increases from the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC). “If they continue to operate at a loss, they will continuously reach out to FCCC to increase the fares because of the losses incurred through operations,” he stated.

The LTA has noted a troubling trend wherein enforcement officers are struggling with discrepancies; buses are reported as full while electronic records show fewer passengers have paid. The authority has received multiple complaints about the gap between the actual number of passengers and e-ticketing data.

Rokosawa referred to this situation as a “poverty cycle,” where persistent non-compliance not only jeopardizes the financial standing of bus operators but may lead to higher fares, ultimately impacting commuters. He emphasized that while the LTA is responsible for enforcing compliance, the success of the e-ticketing system significantly relies on the cooperation of the public and key stakeholders.

To address these challenges, the authority is collaborating with Vodafone Fiji and other partners to enhance card top-up services in rural areas and promote smartphone-based loading alternatives. Rokosawa reiterated that appropriate usage of the e-ticketing system is crucial for ensuring transparency, protecting operator revenues, and helping maintain stable and affordable bus fares for passengers throughout the nation.

In light of this cooperation and the ongoing improvements to the e-ticketing system, there is optimism for a future with more stable bus fares that support both operators and commuters effectively.