As of August 1, electronic ticketing services will be rolled out in Fiji, introducing a cashless service for the buses.

Attorney-General and Acting Prime Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said it was important to have this system implemented and e-ticketing is the way to go.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said Government was keen to have the project going with the support of Vodafone Fiji and the Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA).

When e-ticketing becomes applicable in August, the law allows 60 days to make adjustments to both e-ticketing and the cash system and prepares people to get adjusted to the system.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said by November 1, everybody should be well versed in using the e-ticketing system thus the cashless system would be introduced.

He said the system had various provisions that needed to be looked into and this was the reason why FBOA and Vodafone Fiji were invited to a consultation in Suva yesterday.

He said through the consultation, amendments to the regulations would be made and some requirements maybe highlighted.

Mr Sayed-Khaiyum reiterated that it was important to have FBOA working together in the implementation of the new system as it would benefit their companies.

He said the introduction of the system would improve revenue for bus companies and reduce pilfering because it was more transparent.

He said there were regulations in the law and if bus operators did not adhere to the regulations, certain penalties could be imposed.

Solicitor-General Sharvada Sharma says e-ticketing law was implemented in 2014 and the law still provides minimum standard requirements and this will be edited as more requirements, enforcement and provisions would be suggested by Vodafone Fiji and FBOA.

Chief executive officer of Vodafone Fiji Limited Pradeep Lal says as of yesterday 92 per cent of bus operators in Fiji had signed and agreed to the e-ticketing services.

Mr Lal said a few operators still had some concerns and they were happy to hold talks with the operators.

He said the e-ticketing equipment was expected to arrive this month and with a timeline and proper project plans, they were working closely with each bus operator to have the system rolled out.

They are also working closely with Datec Fiji Limited, a subsidiary company.

The programme will have 50 engineers who will be trained to install the equipment.

Information:

E-ticketing cards to arrive soon and registration will begin in the next few weeks and roll out to schools and the general public.

Awareness and education on the process and the use of the cards will be conducted in schools and other areas.

A 24 hours call centre for bus operators, bus drivers and customers will be available through Vodafone Fiji.

Vodafone promotions on the e-ticketing cards will be highlighted with cash prizes and tickets to watch the next Rugby World Cup.

Temporary cards will be available for tourists.

Cards will initially have a tap on systems and once all GPS system and zones are made available in new routes, roads and rural areas the tap on – tap off system will both be available.

Drivers will carry disposable cards.

Cards will be colour coordinated such as for students, adults and elderly citizens.

Bus companies can access information online from their office and know how many passengers were on board and at what stage they get off.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

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