Kamikamica, Biukoto and Shandil on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica, Vodafone Fiji's CEO Elenoa Biukoto and Consumer Council of Fiji CEO Seema Shandil appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan.

The show focused on all issues dealing with the e-transport system.

You can watch the Straight Talk interview on our facebook page, YouTube channel, Instagram handle, X and TikTok account, fijivillage.

You can also catch the podcast, fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

E-transport provider, Vodafone Fiji says they will ensure there are more agents around the country for people to top up their bus cards, and they will have more payment methods in the coming weeks as the upgraded cards fully comes into place.

While speaking on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan, Vodafone Fiji CEO, Elenoa Biukoto confirms that they will work with the government to ensure there are more agents to top up cards for the convenience of those that do not have the NFC smartphones.

The timeline for upgrading of the etransport cards is extended to 15th July 2025.

For those that do have compatible phones, they can download the e-transport app and start topping up their cards themselves by transferring funds to their MPAiSA account and then top up their bus card.

Biukoto confirms that this will not remain as a monopoly system as they are working to ensure MyCash users can also top up their cards using the Digicel mobile cash wallet.

When asked on whether internet connectivity is needed for top ups at the EFTPOS terminals, Biukoto stresses that they have an offline system that can still top up without connectivity.

Consumer Council of Fiji CEO, Seema Shandil says the consumers have been raising issues about connectivity, they cannot receive receipts, they do not have the compatible phones to top up, the lack of options for top up right now, the need for more top up agents, agent services and certain conditions and charges being imposed, lack of awareness and information, and confusion regarding the new system.

Biukoto says there are over 250,000 NFC devices in the country.

She says if there is one NFC device in a household, you can add multiple accounts in a device and top up using the etransport app, and there is no need to go to a top up agent.

While addressing people sending messages from Naitasiri, Tailevu, Bua, Ba, Tavua and Rakiraki on whether the new bus cards need internet connectivity to travel in buses, Biukoto says the new card works offline after you top up.

While speaking on the replacement card, Biukoto says a replacement refers to getting a new eTransport card not related to an upgrade. The first replacement is free but if you already have two cards registered under your name, a $3 fee applies for further replacements (unless it's a valid upgrade).

She says they have 350,000 to 400,000 people on the old system but more than 2.4 million cards were issued.

Biukoto says there are a lot of lost cards and some abuse.

She also confirms that they get the card into Fiji for $4.20.

Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica stresses the government will ensure that more agents are deployed for more accessability, and the feedback from the public is known.

He says the system will be inclusive and people should contact 151 if there are any complaints regarding the system and agents.

Kamikamica says when the e-ticketing system was introduced, collections increased from $60 million to $120 million, and there is a need to retain the revenue as the government is giving a lot of money in the form of subsidies to the bus industry.

An increasing number of consumers in Fiji are expressing concern over the inability to transfer balances or block lost upgraded eTransport cards. The issue came to light recently during fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan, when it was revealed that a customer who lost her upgraded card was informed that her balance could neither be transferred to a new card nor could the lost card be blocked.

Vodafone Fiji CEO, Elenoa Biukoto says there is currently no system to transfer balances from lost upgraded cards or to block those cards to prevent misuse.

She says past abuses involving lost cards in the old system have led to this cautious approach.

Biukoto confirms a steering committee is reviewing this matter, including specific cases such as theft and robbery, to find possible solutions.

Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica acknowledged the issue, saying the government is in discussions with Vodafone to find solutions to this issue.

He says there are indeed genuine instances of lost cards, and this is something they have been discussing and working with customers to determine the best way forward.

Meanwhile, Consumer Council of Fiji CEO, Seema Shandil urged Vodafone to consider a case-by-case approach.

She says some consumers load significant amounts, often hundreds of dollars, onto their cards, and it is unfair for them to lose that money.

In the meantime, consumers are advised to keep their cards safe, especially upgraded cards, to avoid issues related to lost cards and untransferable balances.

Upgraded cards with new features, offline rechargeable top up options, more agents on the ground closer to the people and usage of debit or credit cards are part of eTransport planned rollout.

In a push to modernise public transport while ensuring no one is left behind, efforts to roll out a more inclusive e-ticketing system in Fiji are now well underway.

During the fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan show, concerns were raised that while tech-savvy individuals with smartphones are ready for digital upgrades, many Fijians still lack access to such devices and risk being excluded — highlighting the need for a system that works for everyone.

Vodafone Fiji CEO, Elenoa Biukoto says the company is committed to building a robust and inclusive platform.

She adds that users without smartphones or NFC technology will also be catered for, and that Vodafone is working closely with government bodies to ensure a nationwide rollout this year.

When asked about the timeline, Biukoto says that while the full rollout is expected this year, some aspects depend on coordination with the government, and a confirmed timeline will be shared by the steering committee.

She says QR payments will be available within two months, followed shortly by debit and credit card options, with the full range of payment methods expected within six months.

She says passengers can already top up using internet banking through M-PAiSA, including transferring funds from Digicel to M-PAiSA.

MyCash payments will be part of the rollout soon.

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says that while some parts of the system — such as the tap-on, tap-off function — will take more time due to technical and financial considerations, most other features will be rolled out progressively throughout the year.

He says the full implementation of the tap-on, tap-off system involves complex technology, including GPS mapping, and requires further discussions with stakeholders such as the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission and the Land Transport Authority.

Kamikamica adds that practical issues like maintaining a balance reserve on travel cards must be carefully addressed since not all users will have funds available at all times.

He stresses the importance of ensuring the system is inclusive, effective, and clearly communicated to the public before its launch.

Consumer Council of Fiji CEO, Seema Shandil says the Council is advocating for an efficient and inclusive e-ticketing system.

She highlighted concerns around limited smartphone access and top-up agent availability, which currently exclude some consumers from using the system.

Shandil says the Council is working with stakeholders to resolve these issues, aiming to ensure a smooth, glitch-free system that all Fijians can use with confidence.

The rollout of Vodafone Fiji’s new e-Transport app is well underway, with thousands of Android users already accessing its features, while iPhone users must wait for approval from the Apple App Store.

With the new app and the upgraded e-Transport card, things will get better for the people.

For those that do not have NFC phone devices, the government and Vodafone are now ensuring more agents are available and the upgraded cards and EFTPOS machines also provide offline top ups and usage of the card in buses without internet connectivity.

While answering questions on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan, Vodafone Fiji CEO Elenoa Biukoto confirmed that the app was officially launched in March and is currently supported only on Android devices and is available on Google Play Store.

She says public awareness campaigns have been carried out to encourage downloads and promote the app’s functionality.

Biukoto adds the app allows users to check balances, redeem e-ticket funds, and top up directly.

While responding to concerns about disposable cards in Fiji’s public transport system, especially for tourists, Biukoto says cards are available at all outlets, including the airport shop, and work is underway to introduce payment options using debit and credit cards. The CEO says QR payments will be available within two months, followed shortly by debit and credit card options, with the full range of payment methods expected within six months. Passengers can already top up using internet banking through M-PAiSA, including transferring funds from Digicel to M-PAiSA.

MyCash payments will be part of the rollout soon.

Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica says they are working towards a fully integrated e-ticketing system that captures all modes of transportation.

He says this will give the government better visibility of traffic flows, revenue tracking, and tax compliance.

He says the e-ticketing system will allow them to use the revenue generated to plan developments such as wharves for islands and wider roads across the country.

Kamikamica says the transition has not been without issues, and they are receiving daily consumer reports and responding to them.

While responding to concerns that some drivers are accepting cash payments despite efforts to transition to a cashless system, he says some buses have cameras to monitor these practices, and bus operators are actively trying to address the issue.

He says they are working together to improve the consumer experience while protecting the integrity of national revenue systems.

Consumer Council CEO Seema Shandil says her team is actively monitoring the situation on the ground, registering complaints and conducting market surveillance.

She says the app has long-term benefits, and with the world moving into a digital age, Fiji needs to keep up with the changes.

More than 200,000 people have already upgraded to the new e-Transport cards.