Prime Minister and acting Minister for Communications announced a crucial update for commuters using the e-ticketing system in Fiji. As of today, passengers can now transfer the balance from a lost or stolen e-ticketing card to a new one, a feature that was notably missing when the system first launched.
During a parliamentary session, the Prime Minister addressed the initial shortcomings of the e-ticketing system, stating, “When the upgraded system was first launched, you couldn’t transfer money from one intricate card to another. Your original plan was to have a simpler system… We quickly learned that was the problem.”
To rectify this issue, the Prime Minister revealed that the steering committee overseeing the project has instructed Vodafone to implement balance transfers for legitimate card replacements. Users will need to provide appropriate documentation to facilitate the transfer, which aims to prevent commuters from losing the value stored in their cards due to loss or theft.
The new process comes with a verification step to combat fraud and ensure the system’s integrity, with a police report required to authorize any transfer. The Prime Minister framed this measure as a balanced approach to consumer protection while safeguarding community funds: “In such cases, a police report will reinforce the system integrity by requiring verification before any transfer is approved.”
User frustrations regarding the lack of balance transfer capabilities had been prevalent, particularly as the e-ticketing system was intended to modernize public transport payments. The government initially drew on best practices from systems used in other countries but did not adequately account for local expectations regarding the protection of card value.
Acknowledging these ongoing challenges, the Prime Minister stated, “We plan to acknowledge that there have been challenges, and we will continue to improve.” This proactive step towards enhancing the system reflects the government’s commitment to responsive changes based on community feedback.
The announcement comes amidst public concerns and dissatisfaction regarding the overall transition to the new system, as many users have reported difficulties, including lengthy queues at registration sites. This has led to increasing dialogue between the government and Vodafone to address each hurdle, enhancing customer service and making the system more user-friendly.
In previous discussions, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica has urged Fijians to formally report issues rather than voicing complaints on social media, suggesting that structured feedback may lead to more systematic improvements. As the new balance transfer feature rolls out, there is a sense of cautious optimism that these changes will not only resolve past frustrations but also usher in a more reliable and efficient public transport experience for all Fijians. The initiative is poised to restore faith in the e-ticketing system, signaling a pathway toward a more accessible and hassle-free commuting environment.