News and Updates

LTA MONITORS COMPLIANCE OF PRIORITY SEATING ON PSV

Oct 11, 2024

SUVA, Fiji (11 October 2024): In a continued effort to promote inclusive and accessible public transportation, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is calling on bus operators and PSV drivers to adhere to the priority seating regulations for persons with disabilities.

LTA Chief Executive Officer Irimaia Rokosawa said these regulations ensured that all public service vehicles (PSVs), including omnibuses, minibuses, and carriers, provided accessible and disability-friendly services to the travelling public.

He said public transport operators and drivers were urged to comply with these provisions as outlined in the Land Transport (Public Service Vehicle Regulations) 2000 - Regulation 20A, and to ensure that priority was given to persons with disabilities and senior citizens.

"Regulation 20A of the Land Transport (Public Service Vehicle Regulations) 2000 outlines clear requirements for PSVs in relation to persons with disabilities. The regulation mandates that persons with disabilities must be given first priority when boarding a public service vehicle, whether it is an omnibus, minibus, or carrier,” Mr Rokosawa said.

“In omnibuses, the first two rows of seats must be reserved for persons with disabilities. For minibuses and carriers, the seats closest to the driver must be allocated to persons with disabilities.

“Drivers and vehicle owners must take reasonable steps to assist persons with physical disabilities during boarding and disembarking. These provisions are essential for ensuring that public service vehicles are accessible to all members of the community, including the most vulnerable.”

Mr Rokosawa said the Authority was committed to fostering a transportation system that respected the dignity and needs of persons with disabilities.

In terms of the obligations and responsibilities of PSV drivers and owners, Mr Rokosawa said it was imperative that all PSV drivers and vehicle owners understood and fulfilled their obligations in accordance with these regulations.

He said PSV drivers were reminded not to refuse to carry a person with a disability and to assist persons with disabilities in boarding or disembarking when needed.

“They must ensure that persons with disabilities are given priority seating, and must avoid allowing these seats to be taken by other passengers unless no person with a disability requires the space,” the CEO said.

“PSV owners are also required to make their vehicles user-friendly for persons with physical disabilities. This includes modifications such as ramps or handrails to ease access, and ensuring sufficient space for mobility aids such as wheelchairs and walking frames.”

Mr Rokosawa added that an important aspect of the regulations was the visibility of appropriate signage indicating that certain seats are reserved for persons with disabilities.

He said vehicle owners were mandated to prominently display permanent signage as close as practicable to the relevant seats, ensuring that all passengers are aware of the priority seating arrangements.

“This signage is also extended to senior citizens, as they too are entitled to first priority for seating when travelling on public service vehicles. Ensuring clear, visible signage on PSV helps create a culture of respect and awareness for the needs of persons with disabilities and our senior citizens,” Mr Rokosawa said.

“Persons with disabilities and senior citizens are important members of the community, and it is crucial that their rights to safe and accessible transportation are respected. Public transport is a lifeline for many people, and it is the responsibility of both PSV drivers and owners to ensure that no one is left behind.”

The LTA Chief Executive Officer also expressed his concern over the lack of compliance in some instances and called on all PSV operators to adhere strictly to these regulations.

Mr Rokosawa said the Authority would be monitoring compliance with the priority seating regulations closely to ensure that persons with disabilities and senior citizens were treated respect and that their needs were prioritized when using public transportation.

The LTA will continue its enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns to promote compliance and ensure that all members of the public, regardless of their physical abilities, can travel with ease and dignity.

11.10.24  Infographic_Priority Seats on PSV