OVER 486,000 new eTransport cards have been issued to date, with more than 22.5 million registered taps.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told Parliament yesterday that Vodafone Fiji began its card upgrade exercise in March, 2025.
“Following a comprehensive tender process, which included key stakeholders including bus operators, Vodafone was selected as the most suited provider to implement the next iteration of e-ticketing in Fiji,” he said.
“I know there has been a lot of speculation but the task at hand is not as easy as it seems.
“Since the beginning of this year, Vodafone has been rolling out the new system.
“To facilitate this rollout, the minister responsible for ICT established an e-ticketing committee, which includes representatives from bus operators, LTA, FCCC, the Consumer Council of Fiji, and the Ministry of Transport.”
He said this committee allowed the government to closely monitor the rollout, respond promptly to issues, and minimise disruption to the public.
“Change, particularly in technology, is never easy, but this committee works to ensure that we act quickly and effectively.
“I will continue to oversee the work of the committee and will ensure that the concerns of our people are resolved.”
He said initially, uptake was low, so in consultation with the committee, Vodafone announced the phase-out of old cards by June 30.
“This announcement created urgency, resulting in long queues at Vodafone outlets.
“The Consumer Council of Fiji highlighted two main issues: long wait times and incorrect information at outlets resulting in restriction on credit transfer and charges for card replacements.”
Mr Rabuka said Vodafone was promptly instructed to increase the number of card replacement booths and use community halls to manage the demand.
“Information on requirements was also widely disseminated.
“The cutoff period was extended several times, and the complete phase-out of old cards was achieved in mid-September.”
He also highlighted that when the upgraded system first launched, people couldn’t transfer their money from one e-ticket card to another.
“The original plan was to have a simpler system where cards don’t need to be registered, similar to those used in other countries.
“We quickly learned this was a problem.
“To address this, the Steering Committee has instructed Vodafone to enable balance transfers for legitimate card replacements, provided that proper documentation is submitted.”
Mr Rabuka said this measure ensured that passengers do not lose their stored value in cases such as card loss or theft.
“In such cases, a Police Report will reinforce the system’s integrity by requiring verification before any transfer is approved, while also safeguarding commuters’ funds and maintaining public confidence in the e-ticketing system.”
QR pay, to be the next big leap, says Rabuka
COMMUTERS will now be able to pay their bus fare using QR Pay that will be made available on the eTransport App soon.
Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Civil Service and Public Enterprises, Trade, Cooperatives, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications Sitiveni Rabuka while announcing this in Parliament yesterday, said this will allow people to use the app directly to make payments without needing a card.
“This will be the next big leap as we are in a time where everything can be done with a touch of a button on your smartphones,” he said.
“This feature will be made available on both Apple and Android devices and is currently being deployed to bus terminals in preparation for public use.
“Phase 2, will bring the integration of scheme cards, this being your credit or debit cards to also be accepted as a medium to pay fares, this will open the use of our public transport systems to tourists and even Fijians visiting home.
“The final phase planned to roll out e-ticketing to other modes of public transport including mini buses, taxis, carriers and even interisland ferries.
“This is independent of the bus industry and as the system stabilises we will now look to work with the relevant agencies and stakeholders to rollout iteratively to different modes of public transportation.”
He said since the roll out of e-ticketing in 2017, around 500 million transactions have been recorded, with a total value exceeding $650million.
“The e-ticketing system has helped reduce historic revenue leakages, kept public transport fares low, and doubled industry revenue.
“The new system will continue to provide valuable data and savings, and as a result supporting government initiatives such as the 10 per cent fare subsidy announced in the current budget.”
Mr Rabuka urged the people of Fiji to embrace the digitalisation efforts and become a part of the journey undertaken by the country as per the National Digital Strategy, National Development Plan and Vision 2050.
“And should you encounter issues feel free to contact the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, MSMEs and Communications, or Vodafone directly. And in addition, the Consumer Council of Fiji, LTA, the Ministry of Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport are ready to assist.
“We are here to serve.”
