Concerns over unruly student behavior on buses have escalated, prompting the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to warn that bus services for students participating in athletics zone meets and the Fiji Finals could be curtailed if these behaviors persist. This warning follows the emergence of a viral video showing students misbehaving on a bus in Nadi.
LTA CEO Irimaia Rokosawa expressed that they have repeatedly raised these concerns with schools, students, and parents, emphasizing the need for students to act in a manner that promotes road safety. The LTA’s stance is clear: if students do not improve their behavior, they may face the cessation of bus services.
Rokosawa pointed out that the safety of the bus drivers, who are often outnumbered and unable to manage disruptive behaviors from students, must be considered. The LTA is set to engage with competition organizers, games sponsors, and the Ministry of Education to strategize on improving road safety, indicating that this problem is receiving serious attention.
This issue is compounded by recent events, including an investigation into a separate incident involving a Swami Vivekananda College student confronting another individual with a weapon at a bus stand, which highlights the urgent societal need to address safety concerns surrounding student behavior. Rohit Latchan, from the Fiji Bus Operators Association, noted that collective action from various stakeholders is essential to prevent further incidents that compromise public safety.
In a positive development, the recent challenges present an opportunity for schools, parents, and authorities to collaborate on fostering a culture of respect and safety among students. By working together, there is potential for significant improvement in student behavior and overall safety on public transport.
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