The Fiji Bus Operators Association has expressed strong support for the Government’s decision to subsidize bus fares for students beginning 1 September 2024.
In a statement, FBOA President Richard Lal highlighted that bus operators have been subsidizing 50 percent of student bus fares for over 50 years, an expectation not placed on other privatized service industries.
Lal expressed gratitude to the Cabinet for engaging in discussions and resolving the matter. The Cabinet’s confirmation indicates that the Government will cover the remaining 50 percent of fares for all students utilizing blue and yellow bus cards.
This decision follows a review of the current bus fare structure conducted by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, leading to a new fare calculation method that standardizes fares for all bus users.
The FBOA acknowledged that any government must navigate the balance between national priorities and financial constraints, referring to this decision as commendable.
Lal emphasized the critical role of the bus industry in Fiji’s economy, serving as a primary means of transportation for countless individuals. He pointed out that the industry has dealt with rising costs and increasing service expectations without significant government backing, despite its strict regulation by governmental bodies.
He further remarked that, for decades, the bus industry has uniquely been compelled to offer a social support service for schoolchildren through subsidized fares, even as operational costs have surged.