Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communications Manoa Kamikamica says keeping Fiji’s e-ticketing system for buses is a crucial economic move to safeguard government revenue, even as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has floated the idea of reinstating cash payments for bus trips. Kamikamica told The Fiji Times that revenue capture must have integrity because the government subsidizes the bus sector, and the decision on any cash side will come from the Transport Ministry in coordination with the Prime Minister.
Kamikamica warned that returning to cash could open the door to significant revenue leakage. He explained that, from his perspective, maintaining the current e-ticketing system helps prevent wastage and avoids the losses that cash handling can generate. He cited historical context, noting that when e-ticketing was first introduced, total collections rose dramatically—from about $60 million to around $120 million—illustrating how cash-based systems can lead to leakage and higher future tax burdens on the public.
The minister also clarified that there are no direct government payments to Vodafone in the e-ticketing arrangement. He emphasized that Vodafone operates under a commercial agreement with bus companies, and the government is not financially subsidizing the e-ticketing itself.
Context from related developments shows Vodafone Fiji has been identified as the vendor following an independent tender process, with contract negotiations between bus operators and Vodafone expected to wrap up in the near future. Government officials have consistently stated there are no plans to reintroduce cash for bus services, while efforts continue to address system faults and improve accessibility, including better network connectivity and customer support.
In related discussions, the government has faced questions about the breadth of the e-ticketing rollout and the possibility of adding more service providers. Some stakeholders have urged caution to preserve tender integrity, while others point to the need for a more diversified approach to ensure reliable service for all commuters. Public concerns have also highlighted registration bottlenecks and the desire for more robust support channels, including offline top-ups and alternative payment options like QR Pay and mobile money services.
Overall, the stance remains that the e-ticketing upgrade is an economic reform aimed at safer, more efficient revenue collection and transportation payments, with ongoing work to refine the system for broader accessibility and reliability. If the rollout continues to advance with strong oversight and enhanced customer service, many commuters could benefit from a modern, safer public transport payment framework that reduces cash-related risks for drivers and passengers alike.
Additional comments and value notes:
– The government’s position ties revenue integrity to broader reforms in public transport funding and governance.
– Ongoing improvements to e-ticketing infrastructure—such as expanded registration outlets, better connectivity, and expanded digital payment options—are critical to maintaining public trust and system usability.
– A hopeful angle is that continued collaboration among government, Vodafone, bus operators, and consumer groups could yield a more reliable, user-friendly system that ultimately lowers costs for riders and taxpayers.
Summary note:
Manoa Kamikamica reinforced that maintaining e-ticketing is a deliberate economic choice to protect government revenue, while cash payments remain under consideration only by the relevant ministers. The contract with Vodafone is the result of an independent tender, with ongoing efforts to fix teething issues and improve service for Fiji’s bus riders. Positive expectations hinge on effective collaboration and sustained investment in the system’s accessibility and reliability.
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