The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission says it is assessing the Fiji Bus Operators Association’s call for the urgent reinstatement of the 22.5 percent Government support for the bus industry, however, the Association has not provided complete information from most bus operators needed for the assessment.
FCCC says it has been working closely with the Fiji Bus Operators Association and individual bus operators as part of its bus fare review.
It says a critical part of the assessment is verifying and reconciling the cost increases and adjustments granted to bus operators to date and establishing their actual impact on the operations of the industry.
FCCC says it has requested relevant data and supporting information from the Association and its members.
It says during the initial assessment in August, only 2 percent of operators responded with complete submissions during the reconciliation period and the September assessment has a similar status, with only 8 percent of submissions completed.
It says complete and accurate information from operators is essential to properly assess the costs being incurred and the basis for any further adjustment or support.
FCCC says it recognises that bus operators provide an essential public transport service and that the sustainability of the industry is important to ensuring reliable services for the travelling public.
However, it says it also has a responsibility to protect consumers and ensure that any increases or adjustments are evidence-based, justified and fair.
FCCC says it is also mindful of ongoing geopolitical tensions and their impact on global refined fuel prices, including the potential for further increases.
It says a thorough assessment of the available information is being undertaken given the potential impact on the sustainability of bus operations and the continuity of public transport services.
FCCC says the matter will be determined in due course based on the evidence and information available.
Further questions have been sent to the Association.
Further questions have been sent to the Association.
