DISPOSABLE eTransport cards are intended for use by non-Fiji residents and for emergencies, not for daily use, says Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) general secretary Rohit Latchan.
In a statement issued this week, he also called on the travelling public to ensure their cards were regularly topped up and to only use registered eTransport cards.
Mr Latchan reiterated the recent statement by Vodafone Fiji — the card supplier and electronic ticketing administrator — that disposable travel cards were intended for use by visitors and for emergencies, not daily, regular use.
Vodafone Fiji said there was a shortage of $2 disposable cards because of unprecedented high demand during the holiday period.
“It is more than a year since the eTransport system was introduced and passengers should be using registered, permanent eTransport cards and topping this up before travelling,” said Mr Latchan.
“We cannot afford to carry passengers for free because the bus industry is already fighting for survival.”
He said the FBOA was also urging people to rely less on disposable cards at a time when the country was looking at reducing single-use plastic items because of its environmental impact.
Vodafone has already issued about one million registered eTransport cards.
