People wait for a fully integrated e-transport payment system as MPAiSA is only available option for now

Questions continue to arise from the people on the ground relating to the e-transport system after hundreds of people were left stranded at the Suva Bus Stand last Tuesday, with many now asking for alternative payment methods.

When asked by fijivillage News on internet connectivity required for top ups using the EFTPOS terminals, Vodafone Fiji clarified that it has enabled offline top-up services via EFTPOS terminals, which do not require internet connectivity for card top-ups.

The company says the balance is pre-loaded and stored securely on the EFTPOS device itself, allowing card top-ups to be processed even when there is no active internet connection.

Concerns are also being raised about the QR payment method, which Vodafone has announced will be introduced on buses in the coming months.

Responding to the concerns and whether internet connectivity will be needed as with any other QR Code, Vodafone says the QR system is still in development, and specific details will be shared during the launch.

Furthermore, questions have also been raised about the requirement to purchase a new upgraded card in order to use the e-Transport Mobile App, which allows users to digitally redeem card balances.

Vodafone says the card upgrade is free if customers are on their first or second old cards; and charges only apply from the third card onwards.

The company adds that first-time users also receive their first card and first replacement free of charge.

Speaking on the etransport app, Vodafone confirms it does require network connectivity, but it is network-agnostic, meaning it works on any mobile network, so customers can be on any network and still be able to use the app.

However it can only be topped up through MPAiSA.

That is the only payment integration in the app for now, and no other payment methods are available.

When tests were conducted to download the app, some people gave us proof that they could not find it on the App Store while some had a message saying this item is not available in the country.

People are also asking if the situation would have been handled better if disposable cards were still being provided, however, Vodafone says disposable cards have long been phased out.

The company says they were introduced only as a temporary solution during the transition from cash to the e-Ticketing system, and that it is now essential for all commuters to have a permanent eTransport travel card.

However, regulation 7A of the Electronic Fare Ticketing (Omnibus Amendment) Regulations 2017 states that bus operators must ensure that disposable bus cards are available for sale at all times.

This regulation ensures that passengers, including tourists and those who may have misplaced their permanent e-ticketing cards, have access to disposable cards for travel.

Disposable bus cards means a temporary bus card that is purchased by a person and that does not require a registration by the service provider.

We have sent further questions to Vodafone regarding this matter.