Commuters can expect a 10 per cent deduction from their bus fare starting today. The new bus fare rates will be in effect for the next six months.

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) stated that to pass on the benefit to consumers, it readjusted the bus fares as per the different schedules.

FCCC will monitor bus companies to ensure the reduced fares are passed on to the travelling public.

The fare for Stage One will be reduced from $1.02 to 92 cents. Stage Two fare will be reduced from $1.61 to $1.45. Stage Three fare will be reduced $2.21 to $1.99. Stage four fare will be reduced from $2.60 to $2.34.

The new fares will also apply in Vanua Levu.

In Taveuni, the fare for Stage One will reduce from $1.02 to 92 cents, and Stage Two fare reduces from $1.95 to $1.76.

Stage Three fare will reduce from $2.34 to $2.11.

With the fuel prices rising, Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said that should not mean Fijians have any less reason to travel to work, school, or to access essential services.

“From August 1, the Government will directly subsidise bus fares by 10 per cent across the board for at least the next six months. We are taking on this cost because we do not believe it is fair to place this burden on the backs of the bus companies,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.

“So, when bus riders pay this new discounted fare, the Government will pay the difference directly to the bus companies. To pick up that 10 per cent cost, $6 million has been allocated in this budget.”

“We will make an advance payment to all bus companies for the month of August based on previous records and reconcile with acquittal and e-ticketing data every month.”

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