Fiji’s Bus Operator Association (FBOA) is championing the establishment of a National Transport Commission that would bring together its members and key industry stakeholders as permanent participants. This initiative aims to formulate and oversee a comprehensive National Public Transport Plan in Fiji.
Richard Lal, president of the FBOA, has called upon the Minister for Transportation to consider this proposal, voicing concerns that current efforts by authorities to tackle Fiji’s transport challenges are being made without adequate consultation with the bus operators. Lal emphasized the wealth of experience and expertise within the FBOA, which consists of companies that have provided public transport services for more than 70 years. Since the implementation of e-ticketing on October 1, 2017, the association has successfully completed over 701.8 million trips, showcasing their capability in contributing positively to transport solutions for the Fijian populace.
The FBOA reports that its members conduct an impressive average of 1.7 million trips weekly, operating more than 1,500 buses and covering 1,088 routes every day throughout Fiji. However, Lal pointed out that around 70% of the roads serviced by their buses remain unsealed, leading to high maintenance costs for operators. The current fare of $0.17 per kilometer, which has only seen a modest increase of $0.06 over the last eight years, further complicates the financial challenges faced by the operators.
Additionally, Lal noted that the association has shared its perspectives and proposed solutions regarding pressing issues, including concerns related to Mini Bus permits, the freeze on Public Service Vehicles (PSV), and the right to contest regulatory changes. Nonetheless, the FBOA has not yet received invitations to engage in discussions with the government on these crucial matters impacting Fiji’s public transport sector.
The push for the National Transport Commission symbolizes a burgeoning desire for collaboration between public transport operators and government authorities. This collective effort is vital for improving the nation’s transport framework and effectively addressing the challenges facing the industry. The call for inclusive dialogue between the FBOA and the government indicates a hopeful step towards a more functional and responsive public transport system in Fiji, ensuring that the needs of commuters are better met while enhancing the operational environment for transport providers.