Bus Operators Demand 22.5% Government Support Despite Failing to Provide Required Information

The Fiji Bus Operators Association is demanding the urgent return of 22.5 percent Government support, despite the overwhelming majority of bus operators failing to provide the complete information required to justify further assistance.

The Fiji Competition and Consumer Commission has revealed that only 8 percent of bus operators have completed their submissions for the latest assessment.

The figure raises questions over the industry’s demand for urgent taxpayer-funded assistance when operators themselves have yet to provide regulators with the financial information needed to establish their actual costs.

The situation is not new.

FCCC says that during its initial assessment in August, just 2 percent of operators responded with complete submissions during the reconciliation period.

Despite this, the Fiji Bus Operators Association this week publicly called for the urgent reinstatement of the 22.5 percent Government support which ended on August 31, arguing that rising fuel prices were putting significant financial pressure on operators.

Association President Nisar Ali Shah said operators were struggling with increasing fuel costs and warned that the travelling public could ultimately be affected if businesses became unsustainable.

However, FCCC says complete and accurate information from operators is essential before it can determine the costs actually being incurred and whether there is a legitimate basis for further adjustments or Government support.

The Commission has been attempting to verify and reconcile cost increases and previous adjustments granted to bus operators and establish their actual impact on the industry.

FCCC has stressed that while it recognises the importance of maintaining a sustainable public transport industry, it also has a responsibility to consumers to ensure that any further increases or assistance are evidence-based, justified and fair.

The Commission says it is continuing its assessment and will determine the matter based on the evidence and information available.