E-Ticketing: Fiji

Alright so i was watching this radio talk back show that is recorded on Tuesdays but is played on air-FBC TV on Wed nites @ 10:30pm. it is called Aaina (Mirror)..Surprisingly i did not expect this program to actually take my attention as i was in sleep mode and just accompanying mum while she was up waiting for the program to air on television.

N boy was i surprised to note that those who come on the show as guests are not able to answer question(s) that the general public call and ask to be clarified...!
so the topic was Electronic Ticketing, E-Ticketing.. i understand Fiji is a developing country and trying new ways/systems is part of development. But had ever the general public's view been taken in, when coming up with new methods and procedures for something that 3/4 of the people in Fiji use as the main means of transportation???

I really DONT think so!!! Sad indeed. Its just the big people in the offices discuss among themselves and burst it out to the general public which majority have no clue or idea about. So in the talk back show, the vodafone representative goes on what e-ticketing is, how the e-ticketing card functions etc.

It basically is a prepay card that bus users will have to have in order to travel in buses rather than paying cash to the driver upon entering the bus to take one's seat. Reading over the Fiji live website on the article of E-ticketing it is said by LTA official that the E-ticketing card can be used to pay for one persons bus fare when boarding the bus..was not that the case even when one paid CASH?? Secondly, it basically works like any sim card that if the prepay card not being used for a period of consecutive months the card will be deactivated, hence the user has to go down and have the card activated AND than can start using the card as normal. the money in the card does no expire nor does the card itself (just an advantage compared to mobile simcards). And the minimum top up for the e-ticketing card starts @ $5..

Such system has not started in the West yet but as next month approaches it shall be implemented and lets hope the people of West, especially those in the interior get the groove of E-ticketing otherwise its bye bye to bus..

I understand vodafone in collaboration with LTA is making it as easy as possible for the public and every1. But i still believe there are so many individual out there who have no sense or hint on what is coming their way and just 2-3 months of adjusting period is not be enough i suppose!

Peoples voice need to be heard and considered

Electronic device(s) are bound to cause problem at a least expected time and place. So all the best you bus companies/drivers/vodafone and LTA..

Now i await human drivers to be replaced by robots..!!