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.
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