More agents will be deployed and upgraded etransport cards can operate offline

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.