Fiji Bus Operators Association grateful for the initiatives announced in the budget that will help the industry move forward

The Fiji Bus Operators Association says they are grateful that the industry has received some relief through the 2021-2022 National Budget as some companies are facing business closure and they are also urging Fijians to get vaccinated so that people’s lives can go back to normal.

Association President, Nisar Ali Shah says it is a very good budget as the Government has announced that they will be paying the driving license and defensive driving fees for public service vehicle drivers that are up for renewals in the next financial year.

Shah says the incentives announced in the budget is a relief and will help the industry move forward.

The Association President says bus drivers are on reduced pay right now and when companies start making a profit again, they will be in a position to review the drivers’ salary and if possible, increase it.

Shah has highlighted that he is hopeful as he is seeing a lot of people turn up to get vaccinated.

He is also urging everyone to get vaccinated so that we can begin a new normal.

Shah adds being vaccinated will allow people to be safer and this will help the Government in deciding to open up the country and allowing businesses that are closed for more than a year to resume operations.

He says he supports the various initiatives announced by the Government that will require people to get vaccinated in order to be able to receive certain benefits and assistance.