E-Ticketing transparency

Dewan Chand, Suva

I write to commend the Government for introducing e-Ticketing on all buses with effect from October 1, 2017.

The biggest beneficiary of this exercise is transparency, transparency at all levels. The bus operators will have their income fairly assessed and pay tax according to the law in place.

They will no longer have to worry about the stealing by their drivers. The drivers will no longer be accused of stealing as perpetually alleged by the bus operators. They will now be paid fair wages and be entitled to all the benefits such as overtime payments, meal allowances, sick leave, bereavement leave and bonuses etc. The stigma of being labelled as a thief will be removed and they will be able to live in dignity with their families and in society. Perhaps they will have better night’s sleep as well. The travelling public will know that they are dealing with an honest driver.

The Government will collect fair taxes and this will be ploughed back into improving infrastructure and other facilities for the general good of the Fijian people. Thus the entire country will benefit from the fruits of e-Ticketing. The Government has allowed duty free importation of good quality air conditioned buses and the travelling public now enjoy comfortable bus rides. There are opportunities for further improvements. There have been teething problems with the introduction of this new technology but I am sure all outstanding issues will be sorted out quickly in the interest of all stake holders. The people who are currently opposed to this technology will soon realise that it is very empowering indeed. There is no option but to accept reality of the business world and to move along with the times.