E-ticketing system needs no network coverage

Vodafone has confirmed that the eticketing system that is coming into effect by October does not require any network coverage to operate. Vodafone Fiji Limited Head of Commerce and Corporate Affairs, Shailendra Prasad said the e-ticketing system does not require any network connectivity to operate. Mr Prasad said: “The e-ticketing system has been designed keeping in mind that the system must work whether there is any network coverage or not. In times of natural disasters such as cyclones, network connectivity could be lost but buses need to continue to provide the service. Therefore, the system is designed to work without any network connectivity.

“We are also aware that buses travel routes which go quite into the interiors where there may be little or no network connectivity due to the geographical terrain. We have therefore ensured that there is no reliance on the network connectivity for the eticketing system. In simple terms, the e-ticketing system will work everywhere whether there is any network coverage or not,” he said. He further stated that once, you tap your card on the e-ticketing machines, your fare gets deducted and a new balance is updated on the card in real time without any network connection.

“The public does not need to worry about the network connectivity for the e-ticketing system,” he said.

The Bus Decree 2014 sections 26 (1) states that “A person who damages, manipulates or interferes with the operations of a bus card reader commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a fine not exceeding $5000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or both.”