The Fiji Bus Operators Association President, Richard Lal says that for the bus industry to be sustainable in a regulated environment that they operate in, regulators need to be responsive in addressing changes in cost so that the industry remains viable and profitable.
Lal highlighted this during the Annual Convention for the Fiji Bus Operators Association at Novotel in Lami.
He says the bus industry needs to have adequate returns if it is to re-invest in line with government goals.
Lal says their recent experience in this regard to have adequate returns was not overwhelming for the industry.
He adds they followed and laid down procedures for the bus industry’s fair review but encountered a regulator that refused to work with the Bus Operators Association where they had to request the Attorney General to intervene.
Lal says they are hopeful and looking forward to a fair resolution in this matter.
Lal says majority of the bus operators have been in the business for generations and have the industry and travelling public at heart.
Lal also says the annual convention is the highlight for the year for bus operators throughout Fiji because its time to gather their thoughts and raise concerns on matters that affect bus operators.
He says the non participation of the Land Transport Authority in the Annual Convention for the Fiji Bus Operators Association was not a good sign.
Lal says this is the first time that LTA has not attended their Annual Convention, and recommends that LTA work with the bus industry in making it available and delivering to the people of Fiji a cost effective and efficient system in public transportation.
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