Passengers play a vital role in maintaining bus cleanliness and safety, with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) calling on the public to refrain from vandalism and to avoid leaving food or rubbish behind.
Following reports from a commuter who raised concerns with fijivillage News about a cockroach infestation on a Suva-Nausori bus, LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa emphasised the importance of passenger responsibility in keeping buses clean and safe for all.
Rokosawa reassured the public that the LTA conducts regular audits of bus operators to maintain hygiene and safety standards across Fiji's public transport network.
He says LTA’s Quality Assurance Maintenance System (QAMS) ensures that every bus company undergoes a comprehensive audit at least once a year.
He says these audits assess various aspects of bus operations, including the maintenance facilities, hygiene standards, bus conditions, documentation, and service records. Operators are also required to maintain an adequate number of roadworthy buses, which undergo regular fleet inspections.
If a bus is found with defects, Rokosawa says it is issued a Defect Order and must be reinspected and cleared by the LTA before it is allowed to return to service.
He says operators are also responsible for ensuring that their buses are clean and fit for service before every trip.
Rokosawa further explained that if passengers encounter hygiene or safety issues during their travels, they are encouraged to report these incidents to the LTA to assist with investigations.
People can text their complaints to LTA on 582.
He is encourgaing passengers to provide the bus company name, registration number, route, and time of the incident.
Fiji Bus Operators Association President Richard Lal has yet to respond to queries regarding the cockroach infestation and the actions being taken to address the issue.
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