Fiji’s bus industry is set to transition to a completely cashless system starting December 15, 2025. This change means that passengers, including school children, will be prohibited from boarding buses without a “topped up” eTransport card. Richard Lal, president of the Fiji Bus Operators Association, announced that after extensive preparation, it is now essential to enforce the “No Card – No Ride” policy.
“With effect from Monday, December 15, 2025, only passengers with ‘topped up’ eTransport cards will be uplifted and carried to their destination,” Lal stated. He emphasized that cash payments will no longer be accepted within the public transportation framework.
Lal also underscored the importance of parents ensuring their children possess valid cards before using the bus services. Since the introduction of the system, a significant 520,000 new eTransport cards have been issued as of November 30, 2025, prompting the need for stricter enforcement of the policy.
Encouraging travelers to be proactive regarding their transportation needs, Lal urged them to maintain their eTransport cards by ensuring they are consistently topped up. The eTransport system has demonstrated its effectiveness, with an impressive total of 701,885,385 “Trips Per Tap” recorded since its launch in 2017, averaging around 1.7 million trips a week, and only 859 complaints lodged over the years, which equates to about one complaint every three weeks.
Despite these advancements, Lal highlighted ongoing challenges faced by the legal bus operators. He stated that illegal competitors have been negatively impacting the revenue generated on crucial routes, adding pressure on operators who are already dealing with low returns per kilometer amidst rising operational costs. The association plans to continue advocating against these illegal operators in the upcoming months.
The shift to a cashless transportation system is a progressive move for Fiji’s public transport, aiming to enhance efficiency and user accountability in commuting, while continuing to ensure that the industry remains accessible and reliable for all passengers. This transition aligns with global trends toward digitalization in public transport, providing a modern solution that could streamline operations for bus operators and improve the overall experience for commuters.
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