The Ministry of Communications has reiterated its dedication to enhancing Fiji’s bus e-ticketing system amidst public discourse regarding its current functionality and future upgrades. The Ministry emphasized that remarks made by the Minister for Communications last week during parliamentary discussions were part of a larger initiative to continually assess and improve existing systems and governance methodologies.
In an official statement, the Ministry highlighted that their efforts are aimed at identifying enhancement opportunities, ensuring that the evolving e-ticketing system aligns with the public’s needs. Recognition was given to the previous foundational contribution made by former Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica with the creation of the multistakeholder E-Ticketing Committee. Moving forward, the Minister expressed anticipation for convening the committee shortly to review the progress made, address challenges, and fortify the overall delivery of the system.
Since the year’s outset, Vodafone has initiated the rollout of a new e-ticketing system, replacing the outdated version from 2017, which was no longer supported. Over 486,000 new e-transport cards have been issued, with users having recorded more than 22.5 million taps thus far. Enhancements to the system include a new e-Transport mobile application designed for better user convenience and upcoming features such as QR Pay and scheme cards to facilitate payments directly through smartphones. Furthermore, there are plans to broaden top-up options in collaboration with partners like Digicel’s myCash.
The Minister expressed a firm commitment to learning from past operations and perpetually striving for improvements, stating, “Our ultimate objective is to ensure the e-ticketing system serves the public in the most effective, reliable, and user-friendly way possible.” This reflects the ministry’s focus on continually advancing the system for the benefit of the public.
Public transport remains a crucial service in Fiji, with a significant part of the population depending on buses for their daily commute. While there have been challenges along the way, such as access difficulties and public dissatisfaction, the ongoing enhancements signify a movement toward a more effective and user-friendly transport system. As the Ministry works collaboratively with Vodafone and other stakeholders, there is an optimistic outlook that these efforts will lead to substantial improvements in Fiji’s public transportation landscape, ultimately fostering a better commuting experience for all citizens.