Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says the Government is considering calls to reintroduce cash payments for bus fares alongside the e-ticketing system.

Responding in The Fiji Times’ ‘A Conversation with the PM’ column to a letter from Edward Blakelock of Pacific Harbour, who argued that 100 per cent e-ticketing is impractical until key challenges are addressed, Mr Rabuka said the Government recognised the concerns raised.

“I acknowledge the views expressed by Mr Edward Blakelock from Pacific Habour. While it is clear that a one-size-fits-all digital approach is still ‘work in progress’ for us here in Fiji, I want to assure the public that the Government is working towards addressing this e-ticketing issue,” he said.

“Government acknowledges the call to re-introduce the cash payment system. For this new system, the new cards support offline top-ups and other options like QR Pay and M-PAiSA. It also protects drivers who were previously at risk of being robbed when handling cash. Apart from Vodafone Fiji, the Government will soon engage Digicel Fiji as another service provider to expand available platforms and offer more payment options.

“The Ministry of Trade, MSMEs, Cooperatives and Communications is taking the lead role in shifting the focus back to where it belongs – on those who rely on buses to get to work, school, and home, to mention a few. Government aims to provide efficient, fair and accessible public transport for all.

“While the line Ministry is not too keen to retain a ‘totally card system’, I as Head of Government promise that the consideration process is on-going and urge the public, in the meantime, to report any e-ticketing card issue to Vodafone on 155 or contact the line Ministry directly.”