Bus Owner: e-Ticketing Working Amid Concerns
West Bus Limited chief executive officer Vijendra Kumar said the e-Ticketing system “is working” despite some “teething problems”.
“There is room to make it better,” he said during the Bus Fare Review Committee consultation at the Nadi Civic Centre yesterday. “We need to see its implementation another next three months then relook at things we can do for the drivers as well, but it is a win-win situation for the public, bus operators and Government,” he said. Mr Kumar raised his concern on revenue in terms of the gains bus operators would receive and the usage of temporary cards.
“The e-Ticketing is supposed to stop pilferage in revenue leakage, as far as the business is concerned,” he said.
“Bus drivers’ wages are dependent on the gain we receive from e-Ticketing but if the gains are not there then how can we sustain those wages.”
As for temporary cards Mr Kumar said some people were getting used to it they just wanted to use it all the time instead of registering and getting a permanent card.
“I think Government should ask everyone to register and get a permanent card and not rely on temporary cards,” he said. The review committee chaired by the Fijian Competition and Commerce Commission chief executive officer, Joel Abraham, said they would review the submissions given by the bus companies, drivers and members of the public. “We will take their views on board, bring about solutions and suggestions regarding appropriate bus fares, profitability of bus operators and investment into the industry,” Mr Abraham said.
“There is a correlation between the service providers and the bus fares, so we are trying to get as many views. “We are committed in finding out what the people think of the current structure of bus fares and the services of the bus industry.”