Bus Operators support e-ticketing system

The Fiji Bus Operators Association states that they strongly support the continuation of the e-ticketing system as it promotes fairness, accountability, and sustainability in the public transportation sector.

Association President, Richard Lal refers to the article published on fijivillage on 26th May 2025, where certain “concerned citizens” questioned the current e-ticketing system and its impact.

Lal says they would like to respectfully ask who are these concerned citizens as it would be more constructive and transparent if these individuals or groups were named or represented by a spokesperson.

He says our way of life is changing, and technology has rapidly evolved and will continue to do so.

Lal says Fiji’s bus operators are also moving with the times, and the e-ticketing system has been in place for over seven years and has proven to be an effective, transparent, and accountable method of fare collection.

He says the claims made by a small minority against e-ticketing often come from individuals who prefer paying cash, sometimes to avoid paying the correct fare.

Lal says the e-ticketing system ensures accurate data collection, prevents fare evasion, supports government revenue through proper taxation, and above all, maintains fare at an affordable rate for passengers. Prior to this system, pilferage and fare manipulation were significant issues across the industry.

He says to the “concerned citizens” that they welcome the opportunity to meet with them, hear their concerns and engage in constructive dialogue so they achieve better outcomes for all Fijians.

Following the continuous issues faced by people on the ground who deal with the e-transport system every day, a group of concerned citizens have called for the immediate reinstatement of cash payment options on all bus routes, and the elimination of fines for passengers unable to use e-cards due to system failures.

They are also calling for the reform of regulations that punish bus drivers for showing compassion to passengers in need, the immediate expansion of e-transport top-up options beyond MPAiSA, the development of truly offline-capable payment solutions that work without internet connectivity, and greater transparency about system limitations and backup plans during outages.

The group that contacted fijvillage News with a statement says the path forward isn't about choosing between digital innovation and traditional payment methods – it's about embracing both to create a more resilient, inclusive transport system.

They say Fiji's diverse geography, variable connectivity, and socioeconomic realities requires a transport payment system that works for everyone, everywhere, every time.

They add while digital solutions offer convenience and efficiency under ideal conditions, cash provides the universal fallback that ensures no one is left behind when those conditions aren't met.

The group says let's not mistake digitisation for progress if it comes at the cost of accessibility and reliability.

They stress that progress means building systems that work for all of us – from school children to the elderly, from rural villagers to urban professionals – and right now, that means allowing the use of cash. The group says the hundreds of thousands of people who catch buses daily, including tourists and potential travellers, deserve a system that includes them.

They say the hundreds of people left stranded in the rain at Suva Bus Stand last month deserve better.

They say their time is valuable – too precious to waste waiting for systems to work or be fixed and they certainly shouldn't be punished with hefty fines when the system fails them.

The group says it's time to acknowledge that here, cash is king.

They add in the rush to modernise Fiji's public transport system, we have created a divide that leaves many stranded – literally.

The group says unlike compact countries like Singapore, Fiji spans over 330 islands across 18,300 square kilometres, and our geography presents unique challenges that a one-size-fits-all digital payment system cannot adequately address.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica says they are working on providing the best solutions to the people.

The e-transport app cannot be downloaded for iPhone users and some of the Android users, the payment for bus fare can only be done via MPAiSA, and people need to have MPAiSA to be able to transfer the funds or top up before paying via MPAiSA.

The use of disposable cards, which is part of the law, have also been discontinued. This was an emergency option for travellers in the past.

We had sent further questions to Vodafone Fiji on issues raised by people. They are yet to respond.