Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has instructed the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to change its enforcement priorities, moving away from penalizing bus passengers to tackling more critical issues, such as drunk driving and speeding. This directive follows public backlash against the LTA, particularly after a viral video showed officers fining a 60-year-old woman $150 for not possessing her bus card.
In light of the public reaction, LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa has expressed awareness of the community’s concerns. He noted that the LTA is working closely with its service provider and stakeholders to enhance the e-ticketing system that has drawn recent complaints.
Rokosawa emphasized that priority is being given to increasing the availability of recharge and top-up facilities in both urban and rural areas. He reassured the public that the authority is collaborating with the vendor to offer more convenient top-up options and to provide reliable technical support to alleviate operational issues within the e-ticketing framework.
Additionally, the authority is undertaking a thorough evaluation of public feedback in order to further improve the system’s functionality. This review will also ensure adherence to the Electronic Fare Ticketing (Omnibus) Regulations 2017, especially in relation to fare payments and bus card inspections.
Rokosawa concluded by affirming the LTA’s commitment to addressing public grievances and enhancing the e-ticketing journey for all passengers, all while ensuring that public transport services remain accessible, transparent, and user-friendly for the people of Fiji.
This shift in focus signifies a promising step towards enhancing public transport safety and accountability. By concentrating on more pressing transport issues, the LTA is poised to improve the overall experience for passengers while ensuring compliance with necessary regulations.
In summary, the LTA is not only responding to recent public outcry but is also taking actionable steps to improve its services, pointing towards a positive transformation in Fiji’s transport system.
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