Govt to look at free bus fare concerns

The government committee which is overseeing the free bus fare programme for students travelling in school buses is currently meeting to look at various issues that have arisen since Wednesday.

Right now the system is that the Finance Ministry gives funds to the Education Ministry and then the money is deposited in school accounts. The schools then have to distribute the bus fare daily to students who travel in school buses.

Suggestions have been made that the process can be streamlined.

One of the suggestions is that all bus companies submit their audited accounts over the previous years which will clearly show the trend of how much income is received by bus companies through their school bus trips. It is suggested that the amount will be consistent and that can be used by the government to pay the bus companies.

Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister's Office, Lt Colonel Pio Tikoduadua is expected to comment after the committee meeting today.

Fijivillage news received reports today that schools buses were overloaded this afternoon in many areas in Suva with many students unable to get into their normal school bus.

This is due to students not normally travelling in school buses decided to travel in the buses from this week.

Meanwhile the Fiji Bus Operators Association President, Zain Dean has raised serious concern after they received information that some bus drivers are overcharging students.