Thousands of Taveuni students to be affected as bus company plans to stop services

Thousands of students across Taveuni could face disruptions to their exams and classes after a local bus company informed schools that it will suspend student bus services unless school bus fares are increased.Letters issued to all 12 primary schools and five secondary schools on the island state that the company will no longer provide bus services for students, with the suspension set to take effect from Monday.

Concerned parent Mikaele Legai of Vuna, Taveuni, says he received a letter from the head teacher of the school attended by his children advising parents of the planned suspension.

Legai expressed concern about the impact the disruption could have on students, particularly those preparing to sit their Literacy and Numeracy Assessment next week.

He says the journey to school by bus normally takes between 40 minutes and one hour, but without bus services, students could be forced to walk for two to three hours each way.

According to Legai, the bus company has informed parents and guardians that rising transport costs, similar to those experienced in Suva, have prompted its request for an increase in student bus fares.

The Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro is looking into the matter

Stay with us for updates.