The Fiji Bus Operators Association has expressed strong support for the Government’s announcement to subsidize bus fares for students starting from September 1, 2024.
In a statement, FBOA President Richard Lal highlighted that, for over 50 years, bus operators have been responsible for subsidizing 50 percent of student bus fares, a commitment that no other privatized service industry has been mandated to uphold.
Lal extended gratitude to the Cabinet for their willingness to engage in discussions that addressed this important issue. He explained that the Cabinet’s decision signifies that the Government will now cover the remaining 50 percent of fares for students using the blue and yellow bus cards.
This development follows a thorough review of the current bus fare structure conducted by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, leading to the establishment of a new fare calculation methodology that standardizes fares for all bus passengers.
The FBOA acknowledged the efforts of any government to balance national priorities and aspirations while working within financial limitations, making this decision commendable.
Lal emphasized the crucial role of the bus industry in providing essential transportation for thousands of Fijians, which significantly contributes to the economy.
He pointed out that over recent decades, the industry has encountered rising operational costs and increasing service expectations, often without substantial government support despite being under strict regulation. Lal remarked that the bus industry has uniquely been expected to offer social support for schoolchildren through subsidized fares, even amid escalating costs over the years.