The Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) has expressed strong support for the government’s decision to fully subsidize student bus tickets, set to take effect on September 1, 2024.
Richard Lal, President of the FBOA, remarked, “No other privatized service business has been asked to do what bus operators have done for more than 50 years—subsidizing 50% of student bus fares.” He also commended the Cabinet for engaging in dialogue and finding a solution to this issue.
Under the new policy, all students holding blue and yellow bus cards will have the remaining 50% of their fares covered by the government. This decision follows a review of the bus fare structure by the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), which established a uniform fare calculation for all bus passengers.
Lal noted that bus operators view this initiative positively as it reflects the government’s effort to balance national interests and aspirations within financial and resource limitations.
The bus sector plays a vital role in Fijian transportation, serving thousands of individuals daily. Although the industry is heavily regulated by government officials, it has faced increasing operational costs and service demands over the years with minimal government support. For the past five decades, the bus industry has been uniquely tasked with providing subsidized fares for schoolchildren as part of a social assistance initiative.