VILLAGERS of Nakoroivau and Namuka in Bau, Tailevu, raised their concern on the new e-ticketing system with Transport Minister Captain Timoci Natuva during his visit to Nakoroivau Village last week.
Captain Natuva was accompanied by Land Transport Authority general manager operations and other government officials on Saturday. Villagers raised issues such as their village not being provided with bus services and how the e-ticketing system would apply to them when cashless transactions became effective after March.
Most living in the remote areas rely on carriers to get to town because buses do not operate in those areas.
LTA general manager operations Josefa Vosanibola said those living in remote areas who do not use public transports like buses would also have to obtain a card before March.
Mr Vosanibola said it was important for villagers to get a card and to top up at a nearby Foneology or Vodafone outlet.
"We would look into other vehicles providing service to remote areas being providing with e ticketing machines," Mr Vosanibola said.
"But the main focus right now is just having the e-ticketing system on buses as it is the main form of transport for the general public.
"Vouchers are still being used at the moment but villagers are also required to get their e-ticketing cards now for only $2. After March the cards would cost $10 which can be expensive for those living in the interior."
LTA chief executive officer Naisa Tuinaceva said if e-ticketing on buses was successful they would consider using it onother other vehicles.
Mr Tuinaceva said plans to install e-ticketing machines in other public transports were in the pipeline. "We will work on logistics and having agencies close to those living in the remote areas so they do not get affected in any way," he said.