The new bus fare structure that was announced in August has now been implemented. Joel Abraham, the chief executive of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), explained that the recent adjustments to student fares now align with adult fares; however, the Government will fully subsidize this increase.
Abraham highlighted that the changes will not financially burden families, as their assessment ensured zero impact on students and parents. “The Government’s subsidy guarantees that any additional costs incurred by students are entirely covered, even on weekends and school holidays, while the adult fare remains the same,” he stated.
For students using the Blue Card, the Government will fully subsidize the additional fare. Students with a Yellow Card will continue to pay the current rate, with the remaining costs also covered by the Government, applicable at all times, including weekends and school holidays.
This fare adjustment is a result of a thorough review by the FCCC, which incorporated a per-seat fare allocation model. The review involved close collaboration with bus industry operators and aims to ensure that bus operators receive fair compensation through a complete cost recovery model. This initiative seeks to sustain the bus industry while ensuring the affordability of services for consumers.
Abraham noted that with the new fare structure in place, it is essential for bus operators to maintain and enhance service quality. He added, “We will be closely monitoring the services provided by bus operators to make sure they meet the expected standards and deliver value to passengers in accordance with the fare adjustments.”
Looking forward, the FCCC plans to initiate the next bus fare review process in September 2024. This will start with data gathering and a comprehensive analysis to ensure that future adjustments reflect ongoing market conditions, balancing the interests of both consumers and the industry.