THE new electronic ticketing system for buses will no longer issue physical copies of receipts.
Vodafone Fiji, the main distributor of the ticketing system, said receipts and tickets would now be available in electronic form.
“It’s in compliance with all legal requirements for issuing payment receipts which are available in electronic form and stored as electronic tickets, E-tickets, on passengers’ bus cards,” the company said.
Responding to queries from this newspaper, the company said the last four transactions would be available on passengers’ bus cards.
“This includes details of the date and time, stage travelled, fare amount paid, and remaining balance on the card.”
Land Transport Authority CEO Iramaia Rokosawa said the only “proof” was required of fares being paid as per the Electronic Fare Ticketing Regulation 5.
“In the previous system, the hard copy of the receipt was proof of payment and in the new system, now the hand-held devices will provide the last four transactions,” he said.
Mr Rokosawa said they would work with Vodafone Fiji, bus operators and the public to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
“Passengers will not be fined for not having paper receipts.
“The last four electronic tickets, including date and time, stage travelled, fare amount paid, and remaining balance on the card, are available on a passenger’s bus card.”
He said the staff members had been briefed and equipped with electronic devices to scan passenger cards and verify the electronic tickets for fare payments when needed.
“We encourage all passengers to always carry their bus cards when travelling should enforcement officers require them to verify their electronic tickets.
“Our team is trained and equipped for this transition, which requires the collaborative actions of everyone involved.”
Questions sent to Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau have failed to elicit a response as he is in Abu Dhabi attending the 15th International Renewable Agency General Assembly.