Fiji bus operators urge e-ticketing use to secure subsidies amid rising fuel costs

Fiji's bus operators are appealing to passengers to transition from cash payments to e-ticketing cards, emphasizing the financial benefits for the industry. Nisar Ali Shah, President of the Fiji Bus Operators Association, stated that operators can only claim the government's 22.5 percent fare subsidy when passengers utilize their electronic ticketing cards.

This push for e-ticketing is particularly critical at a time when the bus industry is grappling with escalating fuel costs. The government subsidy is a vital financial support mechanism, and its accessibility is directly linked to the adoption of e-ticketing systems.

By encouraging the use of e-ticketing cards, operators aim to maximize their access to these subsidies, thereby mitigating the impact of rising operational expenses. The association's plea highlights the interconnectedness of passenger payment methods, government support, and the overall economic viability of the bus services.

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operators can only claim the government’s 22.5 percent fare subsidy when passengers use their e-ticketing cards.