If a customer’s phone does not have a Near Field Communication (NFC) feature, or they have not yet upgraded to the new card, the eTransport app’s core features such as balance check, direct card top-up or redeem will not work.
This was stated by Vodafone Fiji in response to growing concerns about the functionality of the newly launched digital fare system.
The clarification came after The Fiji Times published on June 5 an article highlighting commuter frustrations with the rollout of the upgraded eTransport card system.
Vodafone acknowledged that adapting to new technology could be challenging for people but emphasised that technical requirements, not company policies, were behind the app’s limitations.
To access full functionality of the eTransport app, it said, commuters must have a smartphone running Android 9.0 or higher and a device equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) capability.
This allows direct interaction between the phone and the physical card, enabling features such as balance check, top-up, and redemption without needing to visit a physical top-up agent.
“This is a technology requirement, and not a Vodafone-imposed restriction,” Vodafone Fiji said.
“We have communicated these requirements clearly through our website, social media, SMS broadcasts, and in-store posters.”
The company reiterated that only the newly issued eTransport cards were supported by the app, older cards were not compatible with app-based features such as in-bus redemption or direct mobile top-up.
It also clarified confusion surrounding the use of M-PAiSA, assuring the public that only one app was needed.
“The eTransport App integrates M-PAiSA as a payment method.
“Once customers download the app, they simply select M-PAiSA as a payment method within that same eTransport app to top up.
“There is no need to use two separate apps, and any confusion on this point likely arose from misunderstanding how M-PAiSA operates as a payment channel inside the eTransport App.”
