Non-bus operators including carriers and mini-vans transporting students to school will now receive double the number of vouchers they previously received following the recent rise in fuel prices.
This has been confirmed to fijivillage News by Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, who says operators previously received two vouchers per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. However, due to increasing fuel costs, the number of vouchers will now be increased from two to four.
Radrodro says RSL operators should continue transporting students to and from school, as they will now benefit from the additional vouchers.
He adds that school heads should work closely with divisional education officers, while teachers are encouraged to assist in the distribution of tickets to non-bus operators.
When asked about students in Seaqaqa who were left stranded without transport after an RSL operator allegedly failed to pick them up from their homes, Radrodro says he does not have details on why the driver did not collect the students.
However, he says the Ministry has approved the additional vouchers for non-bus operators to help transport students to and from school.
When questioned about whether the Ministry is considering online classes for students if the situation worsens, Radrodro says that option will be considered if necessary.
Insert: Radrodro on online classes, 4th June 26
