Minibus, taxi drivers call for fare adjustments

Viti Minibus Co-operative Ltd drivers and Lautoka taxi drivers are calling for a review of transport fares, arguing that recent bus fare increases do not fairly address their financial challenges.

Their concerns follow the Government and Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) announcement that bus fares and electricity charges would increase from Tuesday.

Drivers discussed the financial pressures facing Viti Minibus Co-Operative Ltd (VMCL) due to rising fuel prices and operating costs.

VMCL chairperson Alipate Raqio said the current fare structure was unsustainable, with fuel costs consuming almost two-thirds of fare revenue.

He said the remaining income was insufficient for both vehicle owners and drivers.

“If the fares do not increase, then we will continue operating at a loss,” Mr Raqio said.

Viti Minibus chairperson Alipate Raqio.

Photo: Mereleki Nai

“For our trip from Suva to Lautoka, fuel costs around $100 one way. Almost two-thirds of the fare revenue goes to fuel, leaving very little income for the owners and drivers to survive on.

“At the same time, grocery prices and other living costs continue to increase.”

He called for fare adjustments to ensure the sustainability of minibus operations between Suva and Lautoka.

Lautoka-Ba minibus driver Adarsh Kumar said minibus fares were almost the same as bus fares despite major differences in passenger capacity.

He said buses could carry between 65 and 80 passengers, while minibuses only accommodated about 14 to 15 passengers.

Mr Kumar said the current pricing model was unfair and should better reflect the lower carrying capacity of minibuses.

Lautoka taxi driver Mohammed Alfraz also raised concerns about the rising cost of fuel and operating expenses.

Mr Alfraz said taxi driving often required 12 to 13 hours of work daily to earn about $100.

He said fare adjustments were necessary to support drivers and their families amid increasing living costs.