Govt to absorb bus fare increase from May 26

Bus fares across Fiji will increase by an average of 22.5 per cent per stage from May 26, but commuters will not be affected after Government intervened to absorb the increase.

The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) approved the fare adjustment to help bus operators manage rising fuel and operational costs.

Under the new interim structure, the fare for the first stage will increase from $1.02 to $1.25, with corresponding increases across all routes and stages nationwide.

Despite the adjustment, Government will fully subsidise the increase, allowing passengers to continue paying existing fares.

Authorities said the move was aimed at protecting public transport users from additional financial pressure while maintaining the viability of bus services.

The FCCC said the adjustment was necessary to sustain operations amid global fuel price volatility, which has increased operating costs for transport providers.

Officials also stressed that public transport remained an essential service and that the subsidy reflected Government’s commitment to keeping travel affordable for Fijians.

Read more in tomorrow's Fiji Sun edition.