Taveuni school bus services suspended over fare dispute

School bus services in Taveuni have been suspended because of a dispute over student fares, raising concerns for parents and students ahead of this week's Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (LANA) exams.

Taveuni Buses operations manager Prakash Sami said only school bus services were suspended from yesterday morning, while passenger bus services continued to operate across the island.

Mr Sami said the decision was driven by concerns over student fare arrangements and the higher cost of operating in Taveuni.

He said the company had been asking the Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) to align student bus fare subsidies in Taveuni with those in Vanua Levu and Viti Levu.

"We are not asking for any fare increase. This is not about fare, but our operational costs are much higher here and fuel is 35 cents more compared to the mainland," Mr Sami said.

Mr Sami said FCCC increased bus fares nationwide in 2024, with Government fully subsidising the increase in student fares to avoid placing an additional burden on families.

He said higher fuel prices and operating costs in Taveuni had forced the company to suspend school bus services.

Awaiting decision

"We are waiting for a decision from FCCC, while passenger buses remain operational in Taveuni," Mr Sami said.

The disruption has alarmed parents, particularly with Year Five and Year Seven students scheduled to sit the LANA exams this week.

Waimaqere Settlement parent Mikale Legai said the suspension was affecting many families.

"Bus services have been suspended and it is affecting everyone, including my children," Mr Legai said.

Jitika Naicker of Vuna said many students depended on buses to get to school.

"This is unfair for students. This week is very important for Year Five and Year Seven students who have to sit for LANA exams," Ms Naicker said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education said it was working with relevant authorities to minimise disruption.

Permanent Secretary for Education Navin Raj said the ministry was co-ordinating with the Office of the Commissioner Northern, the Land Transport Authority (LTA), the Fiji Police Force and school leaders.

Mr Raj said contingency measures included transport assistance, monitoring student attendance and co-ordinating with stakeholders.

The LTA has identified standby transport providers for affected routes if required.

Mr Raj said the ministry's priority was to ensure students continued to access education safely with minimal disruption.

Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport Ro Filipe Tuisawau also said Government had activated a mitigation plan to maintain transport services.

The Fiji Sun emailed the FCCC for comment. No response had been received by the time this edition went to press.