Josefa Sigavolavola 
A major discrepancy has been identified in Fiji’s e-ticketing system, with buses departing at full capacity while reports show only about half of passengers are paying through the bus card system.
The Land Transport Authority and the Fiji Bus Operators Association said the mismatch is resulting in significant revenue losses and eventually lead to fare increases.
LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said enforcement checks and e-ticketing audit data were not alignined, revealing that while buses, particularly those operating from interior communities and towns, were leaving at full capacity, reports showed only around 50 percent of passengers were tapping their cards.
Rokosawa warned that continued fare pilferage would make it financially difficult for bus operators to sustain their services.
He said if losses persist, operators may be forced to approach the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission for fare reviews.
Fiji Bus Operators Association President Richard Lal echoed the concerns, saying the system would only work if all commuters complied.
He cautioned that declining bus revenue due to non-payment or cash being retained by drivers would ultimately result in higher bus fares.
LTA further said the continued revenue leakage threatens the sustainability of routes, particularly in rural and interior areas where buses remain a vital and affordable mode of transport.
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