As Vodafone Fiji has installed new e-ticketing machines in buses and people continue to raise concerns about recharging their bus cards and cash payments, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications, Manoa Kamikamica has confirmed that the cash system will not return.
People continue to highlight concerns that not all shops in their neighbourhoods offer bus card top-up services, and residents in remote areas of the Western Division, such as Balevuto, Toge, and Vatusue in Ba, as well as the Naitasiri Highlands and the Northern Division, face difficulties.
They have told fijivillage News they must find their own way to town to recharge their cards.
They also say many bus drivers are not redeeming cards after passengers recharge using M-PAiSA, and buses no longer carry disposable bus cards.
Some people argue that if Vodafone Fiji and the government aim to go paper-free, they should revert to the cash system.
While responding to questions from fijivillage News, Kamikamica says cash payments will no longer be accepted as they encourage theft.
He says when the e-ticketing system was introduced, collections increased from $60 million to $120 million.
When asked about issues regarding top-ups and disposable bus cards, Kamikamica says a new e-ticketing system has been selected and will address the concerns raised.
He also suggested fijivillage News reach out to Vodafone Fiji for further clarification on these issues.
While responding to questions about how the tender was awarded to Vodafone Fiji and the criteria involved, Kamikamica says a tender process was conducted, and Vodafone Fiji was awarded the contract.
Vodafone Fiji is yet to respond to further questions.
