Starting Sunday, September 1, student bus fares will see an increase; however, those who utilize the blue and yellow bus cards will be exempt from this change.
Joel Abraham, CEO of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), stated that although student fares have been adjusted to be in line with adult fares, the Government will fully subsidize this increase.
To prevent financial strain on families, the Government’s subsidy guarantees that any extra costs for students will be entirely offset, including during weekends and school holidays, while adult fares will remain unchanged, Mr. Abraham explained.
Details of the fare adjustments include:
– For Blue Card holders: The Government will cover all additional costs associated with the student fare.
– For Yellow Card holders: Students will continue to pay the current fare, with the remaining costs subsidized entirely by the Government at all times, including weekends and school holidays.
This fare adjustment follows an extensive review by the FCCC, which implemented a per-seat fare allocation model. The review, conducted in partnership with bus industry operators, also ensures equitable compensation for bus operators through a full cost recovery model.
Mr. Abraham emphasized that this initiative aims to sustain the bus industry while keeping it affordable for consumers. He also noted that bus operators must uphold and improve their service quality to align with the new fare structure.
The FCCC will closely monitor the services provided by bus operators to ensure they meet the required standards and deliver value to passengers in accordance with the fare adjustments.