Fereti Rikabula, a Rural Service Licence (RSL) driver, has expressed his concerns regarding the Education Ministry’s recent cut in transportation payments for schoolchildren travelling from Lololo to Drasa in Lautoka. Speaking during a National Budget consultation with Finance Minister Biman Prasad, Rikabula highlighted the financial challenges imposed by the ministry’s decision to reduce his daily compensation from four tickets per child to just two starting in the fifth week of the school term.
Rikabula explained that the ministry’s request for him to reapply for his operating licence while withholding payments has compounded his difficulties. He noted that his route services around 175 children daily, and that the current fare of $1 per child scarcely covers his operational costs, with the fare reduction exacerbating the situation.
Highlighting his role in the education ecosystem, Rikabula stated, “Before the teachers do their job, I’m the one who brings the children from their homes.” This sentiment resonates with ongoing issues surrounding student transportation, akin to struggles faced by boat operators in Kadavu, who have also reported insufficient government fares to cover rising operational costs. In both scenarios, local transport providers are grappling with financial difficulties that threaten their ability to provide necessary services to students.
Finance Minister Prasad assured Rikabula that he would look into the matter with the Education Ministry, emphasizing the need for effective solutions to support the transportation of students.
This situation underlines broader systemic issues affecting transportation for students, particularly in rural areas, where reliable transport is crucial for ensuring consistent access to education. While the challenges are significant, there is hope that through dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders, improved arrangements will emerge that facilitate the transportation needs of students and protect their educational journeys.
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