A significant issue has emerged within Fiji’s e-ticketing system, revealing a troubling gap between reported passenger payments and actual bus occupancy rates. Recent assessments indicate that while buses are operating at full capacity, only about half of the passengers are utilizing the electronic bus card system for fare payments.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA), alongside the Fiji Bus Operators Association, has pointed to this discrepancy as a primary cause for substantial revenue losses, raising concerns about potential fare increases in the future. LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa highlighted that discrepancies between enforcement checks and e-ticketing audit data indicate a serious issue, especially with buses serving rural and interior communities.
Rokosawa emphasized the financial strain that continued fare evasion could place on bus operators, making it challenging for them to maintain their levels of service. He indicated that if these losses persist, operators might be compelled to seek fare adjustments through the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission to rectify the financial imbalance.
Richard Lal, President of the Fiji Bus Operators Association, reinforced these worries, indicating that the success of the e-ticketing system hinges on full compliance from commuters. He noted the risks that declining bus revenue from both non-payment and cash retention by drivers pose, potentially leading to increased fare prices for passengers.
The LTA further warned that ongoing revenue leakage jeopardizes the viability of bus routes, particularly in rural areas where these services play a critical role in providing affordable transportation options. The current situation calls for urgent attention from all stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and fair public transport system for all Fijians.