Older passengers and those unfamiliar with digital technology are facing ongoing challenges with the eTransport card system, which complicates daily bus travel, especially in areas where top-up services are limited. Commuters have voiced frustrations about the system’s inability to cater effectively to those who rely on cash or are hesitant to use mobile payment platforms, which can lead to disruptions during their journeys.
Vanueli Senibauvoro, a resident of Vunidawa in Naitasiri, expressed his discomfort with the digital payment system. “I am not used to using the card and prefer cash,” he stated, sharing an experience when a top-up for his phone did not reflect on his eTransport card. He pointed out the scarcity of top-up locations, noting that only two shops in Vunidawa provide this service, making it inconvenient for people like him.
Similarly, Kaminieli Noke from Cautata in Bau, Tailevu, highlighted his struggles with the digital redemption process, admitting, “I do not know how to redeem the card using my phone.”
Commuters are advocating for clearer guidance, better support services, and increased flexibility within the system to ensure that public transport remains accessible to everyone, regardless of age or comfort level with technology.
In a significant policy shift, the Fiji Bus Operators Association recently announced the implementation of a strict ‘No Card – No Ride’ policy, which took effect immediately. This decision bans cash payments entirely and mandates that all passengers, including schoolchildren, board buses only with topped-up eTicketing cards. Operators believe this transition to a cashless system is necessary after a prolonged adaptation period.
While the move aims to streamline operations and reduce cash handling, it underscores the importance of addressing the concerns of vulnerable commuters to foster a more inclusive public transport environment for all.
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