Bus Drivers From Two Bus Companies Said They Feared For Their Safety When Passengers Became Rowdy

The two bus drivers, who are in the spotlight after a video surfaced on social media over the weekend showing rowdy passengers, said they feared for their safety.

Alphonsus Singh of Nadi General Buses drove to the Police Station and reported the matter.

Shiva Padarath of Shahabud Dean Buses was issued a Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN) by the Land Transport Authority.

The video, which went viral on social media, showed fans sitting on the window edges and rocking the bus. It followed the hype from the Farebrother - Sullivan Trophy final where the host team, Nadi, won on Saturday.

Some (passengers) were even spotted standing at the top of the bus where electricity wires were in range.

Mr Singh said he tried every means to control his passengers but was unsuccessful.

“I closed the door from the bus stand because the bus was full. Many of the young boys climbed from the window and they didn’t even pay their bus fare,” he said.

“On our way, we passed two villages. Some of them (passengers) climbed on top of the bus and some even sat on the window edges.

“I couldn’t do anything but all I can do is drive slowly for their safety.”

Alphonsus Singh, driver of Nadi General Transport, at the Nadi Bus Stand. Photo: Mereleki Nai

Mr Singh said he drove to the Namaka Police Station to park his bus but the passengers fled. Yesterday, Mr Singh said Police sought his statement while LTA officers fined him $50 for overloading.

Meanwhile, Mr Padarath said: “I also feared for my life because I remembered the bus driver who was assaulted and killed by some passengers.

“I knew that they were in high spirits after Nadi’s win, but as a driver I knew it was my job to take them home safely.”

Mr Padarath was fined $500 as per the Traffic Infringement Notice (TIN).

The particulars of the offence read that he failed to endeavour to the best of his ability to ensure the observance of the provisions of these regulations the conduct of the passengers.

The offence is contrary to the Land Transport/Public Service Vehicle Regulation 2000.

The Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) has called on the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to stop vilifying bus drivers for the unruly conduct of passengers.

Association general secretary Rohit Latchan called on LTA chief executive officer Samuel Simpson to focus on enforcing regulations against unruly passengers before it becomes problematic, rather than putting all the responsibility on bus drivers and operators.

“There is a lack of control by the Police and failure by LTA to stop passengers from acting dangerously, especially after big events such as the rugby match last weekend,” Mr Latchan said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Abdul Khan said they would be visiting the bus operators to address the matter and reach a workable solution for all parties.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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