Following the continuous issues faced by people on the ground who deal with the e-transport system every day, a group of concerned citizens are calling 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 earlier in the 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.
They say while urban centres may (sometimes) enjoy reliable connectivity, many rural and maritime areas experience frequent network disruptions or have no coverage at all.
They add that the recent network connectivity failures affecting Vodafone's point-of-sale terminals demonstrate this.
They say when systems fail, the cost isn't just measured in missed bus rides – it's measured in lost time and opportunity.
The group adds every hour spent waiting in line to top up a card or stranded at a bus stand is an hour that could have been spent exercising, tending to gardens, preparing nutritious meals for families, or being productive at work or school.
They say for a working parent, time lost to payment system failures might mean a dinner not cooked, homework not supervised, or a child's sports game missed.
The group says the current e-transport system doesn't just create a digital divide – it exacerbates the social divide between those who ride buses and those who don't.
They say a truly inclusive transport system must work for everyone: our children heading to school, our elderly visiting doctors, those in rural areas connecting to urban centres, and those in urban areas going about their daily lives.
They say the current system, with its lack of sufficient payment alternatives, fails this basic test of inclusivity – EFTPOS is not readily available and has the same constraints.
They also say we must balance corporate interests against the needs of the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on buses daily – including commuters, potential travellers, and tourists.
They add perhaps the most unjust aspect of the current system is how it punishes the very people it fails to serve.
According to published reports, the Land Transport Authority in 2019 collected a staggering $190,500 in fines from 1,270 bus passengers over just a seven-month period for breaching e-ticketing regulations.
They stress $150 fines are a significant sum for many Fijians.
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.
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