The Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) has praised the Coalition Government for their 2024-2025 National Budget. FBOA President, Richard Lal, stated that bus operators understand that the Government needs to juggle national goals and aspirations within financial and resource limitations. He particularly lauded the commendable increase in the budget allocation for student transport assistance.
Lal noted that the transport assistance budget has seen a substantial increase from $20 million to $37 million. This increase will allow the Government to shoulder full transportation fares for students, in accordance with an agreement set between bus operators and the Government, starting 1st August 2024.
Lal further noted that for over five decades, bus operators have been offering student fare discounts of 50 percent and expressed gratitude to the Government for acknowledging that offering such assistance is the state’s social responsibility, rather than the obligation of private enterprises like the bus industry.