Fiji’s bus industry is at a momentous point in history with electronic ticketing finally being introduced from August 1 2017 following much experimentation, challenges and trials.

The Bainimarama government had long pushed for a revamp of the bus industry and part of that was urging operators to embrace electronic ticketing.

It has taken several years of work by all parties involved to get here – and congratulations are in order.

Electronic ticketing – or e-transport as the scheme is being called – holds much promise for the future of public transportation in Fiji.

One of the main benefits will be the advancement of the bus industry through new fleets and on-board services Electronic ticketing will promote transparency which will in turn provide flow-on benefits to the public through affordable fares in the years ahead.

From the government’s side, the accurate calculation of taxes and the near real-time data will ensure operators are rendering to government what they owe in a timely fashion.

Understandably, as with any new technology that impacts on people’s daily lives there will be some concern, and possibly irritation, at what may first seem like an inconvenience of not being able to use cash for fares.

However, we are confident that Vodafone Fiji as the electronic ticketing service provider, working with government stakeholders and the bus operators, will do all it can to ensure a smooth and successful roll-out to the thousands of people who depend on bus services daily.

Cashless systems are already a way of life in other countries and Fiji is also fast moving in that direction.

In a year or two from now, we believe e-transport will have become a natural part of people’s lives and the habit of topping up the card at outlets before travelling will be done without too much thought.

We are thankful to all the agencies involved in making the implementation of electronic ticketing for bus transportation a success, especially the Honourable Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum together with Vodafone Fiji and a whole host of other personnel and agencies involved in this endeavour.

Electronic ticketing is not the only milestone we are celebrating.

The transportation industry – and bus operators in particular – recognise the many advancements that we have been able to enjoy because of government’s decisions that have gotten things done.

The 2017-2018 National Budget showcases the many measures to help boost the industry and small operators.

We commend the measures in the new fiscal year, including the reduction of import and excise duties on buses with a seating capacity of 16 or more for companies with an annual turnover of under $1.5 million (zero duty for new buses and 5 per cent excise duty on used buses).

The official recognition of Road Route Licences as assets that can be used as lending collateral is a boon for bus operators as their businesses had often been considered high-risk by lenders.

Another measure that will certainly boost the industry is the increase in funding available under the Reserve Bank of Fiji’s Import Substitution and Export Finance Facility to $100 million for mainstream banks to lend to small operators at no more than 5 per cent interest.

Industry certainty will also be assured with the renewal of Road Route Licences for 15 years from 1 October 2017, instead of five to 10 years previously.

We commend government for these initiatives and are looking forward to engaging further with government to continue looking for ways to improve industry standards and encourage growth.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj