Bring back the respect and consideration and show that people care, says the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar.

She made the comment last Friday during the launch of ‘Show You Care’ initiative at the Suva Civic Centre.

The initiative, a partnership between the ministry and the Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA), dedicate seats in buses for senior citizens, people with disabilities and expectant mothers.

Special notices in the form of stickers will be placed above bus seats, backrests of designated seats and front of buses to inform passengers that the seats should be given up for senior citizens, people with disabilities and expectant mothers when they board.

A second part of the initiative includes the placement of stickers on the back of bus seats carrying awareness messages against child abuse, domestic violence and other social issues. The messages will include information on how people or victims of abuse can seek help, or how members of the public can help victims and those who need help.

Association president Parmod Chand said priority seating in public buses was long overdue.

“Many of us would consider it common courtesy to give up a seat for a person who needs it, sadly this is not always the case,” Mr Chand said.

“Today with changing attitudes turning towards individualism, we sometimes forget about common courtesy while in public.”

While the initiative is entirely voluntary, Mr Chand encouraged individual bus operators to adopt priority seating.

“The placement of these advertisements will mean thousands of travelling people will be made aware of services available to reach out to like the Ministry’s Child Helpline and information for domestic violence survivors,” he said.

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