The Fiji Bus Operators Association has expressed strong support for the Government’s decision to subsidize bus fares for students starting September 1, 2024. In a recent statement, FBOA President Richard Lal emphasized that for over 50 years, bus operators have borne the cost of subsidizing 50 percent of student bus fares, a responsibility not required of any other privatized service sector.
Lal extended gratitude to the Cabinet for their willingness to engage in discussions and find a resolution to the matter. He highlighted that the Cabinet’s confirmation means the Government will cover the remaining 50 percent of bus fares for all students using blue and yellow bus cards.
This decision follows a review of the existing bus fare structure conducted by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission, which led to the establishment of a new fare calculation methodology that standardizes fares for all bus commuters.
The FBOA acknowledged that any government must balance national priorities with financial and resource limitations, and they consider this subsidy a commendable measure. Lal pointed out that the bus industry plays a crucial role in Fiji’s economy, providing daily transportation for thousands.
He noted that over recent decades, the industry has experienced significant cost increases and rising service delivery expectations, often with minimal government support, despite being subject to stringent regulations. Lal added that the bus industry has uniquely been expected to provide a social support service for school children through subsidized fares, even amid rising operational costs over the past fifty years.