The Minister explains taxpayers lose money when eTransport cards are abused.

People are still abusing their eTransport cards says Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.

Sayed-Khaiyum says students are among those who are abusing their e-ticketing cards.

He made the comments during the launch of eTransport top up machines which is now active at Suva, Nausori and Nadi bus stations.

“I have heard some stories where they (students) actually go and sell their cards and get money for it. We have also heard that there are some people who actually give it to their parents and parents please those cards are not for you. It’s for your children who are students.”

Sayed-Khaiyum explains taxpayers lose money when these cards are abused.

“It means that if you use money where you are not supposed to then it means we have less opportunity to build better roads, better hospitals better schools. The reality is we have limited funds but government has made a point of ensuring that the funds are given to people who need it.”

The Minister is stressing that the subsidized cards are meant for those students who come from families who earn less than $16,000 annually.