The Ministry of Education has reiterated that the only top-ups applied to public transport are for government-subsidized blue eTransport cards issued to eligible students. This announcement follows delays experienced during the redemption process at the Suva District Office, which prompted concerns among students and parents.
Aseri Radrodro, the Education Minister, noted that some students faced challenges due to lost or damaged cards and incomplete application forms. The Ministry has emphasized the importance for parents and students to apply for the transport assistance program. Applications can be submitted through forms available at schools, district offices, and the Ministry’s website. For students who have yet to apply for their transport assistance for the current year, it is necessary to do so and to provide updated household income declarations to maintain eligibility.
Students who have lost their blue subsidized cards or require replacements must fill out the lost or damaged card replacement form and have it endorsed by their Head of School before submitting it at any Vodafone outlet.
Previously, the Ministry had also encouraged prompt redemption of eTransport cards, particularly considering infrastructure improvements at Vodafone Fiji, which impacted the redemption functionality. The transport assistance initiative aims to ease financial pressures on families by ensuring that eligible students have access to necessary transport services to facilitate their education.
As students navigate these challenges, prompt actions to address card-related issues are essential for ensuring uninterrupted access to transportation for school. The ongoing commitment from the Ministry to support student transport needs reflects a strong effort to reduce barriers to education, paving the way for a brighter future for students.
Leave a comment