Consumer Council and LTA Commit to better protect Fijian Consumers
February 22, 2021
The Consumer Council of Fiji (CCOF) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) which now enables the two organisations to share information, provide relevant trainings and collaboratively investigate and solve consumer complaints in respect of Public Service land transport and Motor Dealers.
With a growing number of transport related concerns raised both to the Council and the Authority, the MOU provides a framework to investigate and efficiently resolve transport related complaints in the interest of Fijian consumers. It also allows for the exchange of vital information to support investigation processes. The MOU reaffirms and enhances the longstanding partnership between the two organisations.
The MOU comes after the Council raised serious concerns earlier this year on issues surrounding public service vehicles and taxi permit scams – where consumers either lost thousands of dollars or had their consumer rights breached.
“The signing of this MOU today means that any complaints relating to public transport drivers, vehicles or felonious activities such as taxi permit scams would not only be investigated and perpetrators charged by Police or FICAC under the Crimes Act 2009, but would also allow for the development and implementation of effective and efficient enforcement strategies to curtail such issues in the future” said Ms. Shandil.
The LTA has warmly welcomed this increased information sharing which will lead to enhanced consumer protection for all Fijians.
The MOU now also provides access to vital information which will assist the Authority to make decisions with respect to PSV permits where consumer complaint records will be shared with the Regulations Department and LTA PSV Board to enable improved decision-making processes based upon the quality of service delivery by Public Service Vehicle Operators.
The LTA CEO Mr. Simpson and the CCOF CEO Ms Seema Shandil says that this MOU is a testament of the Council’s unwavering efforts to protect and if need be, fight for the rights of Fijian consumers.
For concerns, consumers can contact the Council on toll free number 155 or LTA’s free text platform 582.