Keep e-ticketing but improve rules that govern its administration and make more efficient machines

The Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) has given genuine reasons on why Government should not remove the electronic ticketing (eticketing) bus fare scheme.

The Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has announced that Government would be reviewing the e-ticketing system.

Association president Richard Lal says while they acknowledge that there needs to be a review, the eticketing system benefits commuters, drivers and bus companies.

Cases of bus drivers being robbed for cash have dropped significantly because they no longer carry money since the scheme started.

Bus operators also know that it protects their income from would-be robbers and the drivers themselves. Before e-ticketing, there was always suspicion that drivers were stealing cash themselves. But this could not be proved. The introduction of checkers to check that passengers were given receipts might have helped to crack down on pilfering.

Bus operators will agree that e-ticketing is their ideal solution. And it must be working, judging by their strong lobby to retain e-ticketing. Besides, the world is marching into the future with cards replacing cash in a growing cashless society. We should not wind the clock back. It would be a retrograde step and push our people back into the 20th century. It would be out of kilter with what’s happening today where we do business with cards and phones.

What we can do though, is to look at aspects of the system we can improve.

One, is the e-ticketing machines where travellers top-up their bus cards. We need more installed near populated areas where they are easily accessible. The other important factor is that they must be in tip top shape and in working condition all the time. If there is a fault it must be fixed immediately and treated as an emergency. That would require constant monitoring.

If travellers become victims of a malfunctioning machine, they should be allowed to board the bus and pay the driver cash so he can tap his personal or company issued cards, specially made for that purpose. The incident where a driver was fined $1000 for helping a passenger was ridiculous to say the least. Enhancing travel for passengers is paramount and it includes not only safety but a wonderful emotional experience.

NEMANI DELAIBATIKI

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj