The Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) has commended the Government for increasing funding for transport assistance to schoolchildren. The Government has allocated $37 million in the 2024-2025 National Budget to continue providing transport assistance to approximately 90,000 students.
FBOA President Richard Lal expressed appreciation, acknowledging that bus operators understand the need for the government to balance national priorities with financial and resource limitations. Lal highlighted that the funding for student transport assistance has risen from $20 million to $37 million. This increased allocation will enable the Government to fully cover fares for schoolchildren, effective from August 1, 2024, as per the agreement between bus operators and the Government.
For nearly 50 years, bus operators have been granting a 50 percent discount to schoolchildren. Lal noted that they appreciate the Government’s recognition that providing such assistance is a social responsibility of the state, rather than private enterprises like the bus industry.