Minibus operators disappointed over exclusion from fuel support

Minibus operators have raised disappointment over being excluded from Government assistance measures announced during the ongoing fuel crisis, despite facing the same rising fuel and operational costs as bus operators.

In a statement yesterday, Vitiminibus Cooperative Limited acknowledged Government’s intervention to subsidise the 22.5 per cent bus fare increase and the additional support measures announced for Energy Fiji Limited customers, students, social welfare recipients, rural service licence providers and boat operators.

However, the cooperative questioned why minibus operators had “once again been completely excluded” from Government support.

“This selective approach is deeply unfair,” the statement said.

The cooperative said minibus operators remained an essential part of Fiji’s transport system, serving workers, schoolchildren, market vendors, the elderly and communities across urban, rural and remote areas.

“We continue to serve areas where buses are unavailable, overloaded, or operating on limited schedules.”

It said while bus operators were receiving Government-funded subsidies worth millions of dollars each month, minibus operators were being forced to absorb the full impact of rising fuel prices, spare parts, tyres, maintenance, insurance and operational costs.

“Why are minibus operators being ignored during a national fuel crisis?

“Why is one section of the transport industry being protected while another is left struggling for survival?”

Vitiminibus Cooperative Limited said many operators were already facing severe financial hardship and struggling to meet loan repayments, maintenance expenses, licensing fees and family obligations.

“The continued exclusion of our sector threatens livelihoods and places many operators at risk of financial collapse.”

The cooperative said if Government could justify subsidies to maintain bus services, then fairness and equality demanded similar support for minibus operators.

Vitiminibus Cooperative Limited is now calling on Government to extend fuel assistance or transport subsidies to minibus operators, engage directly with public service vehicle stakeholders before implementing future transport decisions, and recognise minibuses as essential transport providers deserving equal support and policy consideration.

“We fully support measures that help ordinary Fijians during difficult economic times. However, no transport sector should be neglected or treated as less important.

“The survival of minibus operators is equally important to the continuity of Fiji’s transport services,” the statement said.