Bus industry in the 10th month of using eTransport system and is still facing issues - Lal

The bus industry is in the 10th month of using the eTransport system and still faces issues and loss of revenue.

President of the Fiji Bus Operators Association Richard Lal highlighted this at their Annual General Meeting and Annual Convention today.

Lal says since the introduction of the e‑Transport system, bus operators are aware of the positives and negatives from their experience of using the system and the challenges that continue to exist due to certain anomalies.

He says if the anomalies are sorted out it would assist the bus industry and all concerned.

Lal says some stakeholders are not performing as anticipated.

He says this is not acceptable and they continue to address the outstanding matters with relevant stakeholders.

Lal adds that the Fiji Bus Operators Association had recommended that the Public Service Vehicle section be centralised at the Land Transport Authority Head office and this is being implemented and will be fully operational by the 1st of June this year.

Lal has also thanked the government for establishing the Accident Compensation Commission which has reduced the high risks of liability previously faced by the industry.

Speaking at the Annual Convention earlier today, Sayed-Khaiyum said they have had some very strong words with Vodafone Fiji about the eticketing system and hopefully some good changes will happen soon.

Sayed-Khaiyum says of course there are some issues and they have had some very frank discussions with Vodafone Fiji in terms of stepping up their service.

He also says that under the CARE project after the cyclone they provided a 50 dollar e-ticketing top-up to all those affected.

The Fiji Bus Operators Association currently has 52 members.