Fiji’s taxi industry has entered a new era with the launch of the country’s first-ever card payment solution for taxis, marking a major milestone in the nation’s progress towards a more inclusive, cashless society.
Introduced by Westpac Fiji, in partnership with Mastercard, the initiative allows both domestic and international travellers to pay taxi fares using credit or debit cards from any major provider.
Westpac Fiji Head of Global Transaction Solutions, Yvonne Breckterfield says drivers were enthusiastic about the ability to accept payments via POS, recognising how quickly the payment industry has evolved.
She says tourists no longer carry cash, and accepting digital payments not only aligns with this shift but also enhances safety, as handling cash can make drivers more vulnerable to theft.
The initial rollout was conducted with a core group of 22 taxis, primarily from Yellow Taxis in Nadi and Nausori.
Westpac plans to extend implementation to all Yellow Taxis in the coming months, with support from Fiji Airports Ltd.
Among the first to benefit was Faraaz Mustapha from Nadi Airport Taxi Services.
He says the new system arrived just in time for a busy travel period.
He says the new system enabled them to seamlessly accept payments during a major conference partnership, adding convenience for guests and opening up an entirely new revenue stream.
He adds that the new terminals have streamlined operations and given them a real competitive edge.
Mastercard’s Country Manager for New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, Ruth Riviere says the collaboration reflects a shared vision for digital transformation in Fiji.
She says Mastercard is proud to partner with Westpac to expand digital payments in Fiji, enabling taxi drivers to accept cards for the first time.
She adds that this marks another milestone in their long-standing commitment to bringing more people and businesses in the Pacific into the digital economy.
