The Coalition Government has been praised by the Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) for its execution of the 2024-2025 National Budget. FBOA’s president, Richard Lal, has noted that bus operators acknowledge the challenges a government faces in balancing national aspirations and priorities within the bounds of financial and resource limitations. He particularly lauded the increased funding for student transport assistance.
The funds for student transport aid have been boosted from a previous $20 million to now $37 million. This financial augmentation will allow the government to fully accommodate the fares for school-going children, as agreed upon with bus operators, effective from August 1, 2024. Lal singled out the government’s recognition that it is the state’s social responsibility, not that of private enterprises like the bus industry, to facilitate such assistance. The bus operators have been offering school children a 50% discount for over 50 years.