The Fiji Police Force will be coming down strong against bus drivers who do not comply with the 80 per cent passengers’ capacity rule.

This was confirmed by the Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho yesterday.

Fiji Sun witnessed drivers letting people onto their buses, despite all the seats taken, while other people were already standing.

“Traffic officers and enforcement officers are at the Suva Bus Stand and other busy locations reminding bus operators and drivers of the need to comply as they will be coming down on drivers for KPN compliance,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said

“Drivers have the final decision on the number of passengers they allow to board so that they are complying with the 80 per cent regulation.

“Officers have reminded bus operators of the need to comply with the health measures particularly with compliance to the 80 per cent passenger capacity to avoid overcrowding in buses.”

Bus Association President Nisar Ali said the drivers could not take all the blame.

“Everybody should know that when a bus is getting full, they can get into another bus, but when it is the last bus, people will all want to get into that particular bus,” Mr Ali said.

“There are times when drivers try to stop people from getting into the bus because it is loaded, but they tend to get physical with the drivers. People don’t listen to us.

“Everyone is educated, and they need to understand what is required of them.

:When something happens, everyone wants to target the bus companies, but the owners are not there on the ground.”

Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Premila Kumar has raised concerns about lack of adherence to COVID-safe protocols by students on buses.