Vodafone Fiji has reported that over 100,000 of its newly issued E-Transport cards remain unused, even as the upgraded public transport payment system continues to gain traction across the nation. Since the launch of this system, a total of 427,000 cards have been distributed, with about 321,000 being utilized at least once for fare payments. This reflects a strong initial interest in the system, though the significant number of inactive cards suggests that complete adoption has not yet been achieved. Many of these cardholders, as identified by Vodafone, are not regular public transport users.
Despite the challenges, the new E-Transport system processes around 125,000 unique card transactions each day, with more than 99 percent of commuters now using the new cards. Vodafone emphasizes that transitioning to this modernized platform has significantly improved convenience, speed, and transparency for fare collection, evidenced by the growing uptake of the accompanying E-Transport mobile app.
More than 100,000 commuters have downloaded the app, which now accounts for 20 percent of top-up or redemption transactions. In an effort to facilitate a smoother transition, Vodafone has also found around 700 passengers still using older cards and is actively reaching out to help them upgrade their systems.
The company encourages those who have not yet switched to their updated cards to contact customer support for assistance, underlining their commitment to making the process as seamless as possible. Previous reports indicate that Vodafone is taking user feedback seriously and working on enhancing the system’s functionality to create a more efficient experience.
The improvements to the E-Transport card system, particularly the integration of digital solutions and accessibility efforts, bode well for the future of public transportation in Fiji. By addressing initial concerns such as card top-up challenges and the need for proper training among bus drivers, the hope is that these enhancements will lead to a more user-friendly experience for all Fijians.
As Fiji continues to modernize its public transport infrastructure, the focus remains on creating a reliable, accessible, and efficient commuting environment for the community. With the collaboration of various stakeholders, there is optimism that these ongoing efforts will lead to significant overall improvements in the public transport experience.
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