Fiji Bus Operators Push for National Transport Commission to Transform Public Transit

Fiji’s Bus Operator Association (FBOA) is advocating for the creation of a National Transport Commission that would include its members and industry stakeholders as permanent participants. This proposal is intended to develop and oversee a National Public Transport Plan that addresses ongoing challenges in Fiji’s transport system.

FBOA President Richard Lal emphasized the importance of formal consultations with operators in the transport sector. He expressed concern that authorities believe they can resolve systemic issues without the input of seasoned industry professionals. Lal highlighted the association’s extensive experience, noting that its members have provided public transport services for over 70 years, successfully completing more than 701.8 million trips since the introduction of e-ticketing on October 1, 2017.

The association, which operates over 1,500 buses and covers 1,088 routes daily throughout Fiji, averages around 1.7 million trips each week. Lal pointed out that approximately 70 percent of the roads used by these buses are unsealed, contributing to high maintenance costs that the operators face. He further criticized the current fare level of $0.17 per kilometer, which has seen only a minimal increase of $0.06 over the past eight years, as insufficient to support the industry’s sustainability.

Lal shared that the FBOA has developed its own insights and potential solutions concerning issues such as Mini Bus permits and the Professional Services Vehicle (PSV) freeze. However, the association has not yet been granted an opportunity to discuss these concerns with government representatives.

The call for a National Transport Commission reflects the FBOA’s commitment to improving Fiji’s public transport infrastructure, ensuring that the voices of those who have dedicated decades to the industry are included in planning and decision-making processes. This proactive approach could lead to more effective resource allocation and a more efficient transport system that better serves the needs of the Fijian population.