The Fijian Government will directly subsidise bus fare by 10 per cent across the board for at least six months from August 1.
Economy Minister Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said this during the announcement of the 2022-2023 National Budget in Parliament on Friday night.
He said people should not have any reason not to travel to work, school or access essential services because of the rise in fuel costs.
“Their travel must be as affordable and reliable as we possibly can make it,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“We are taking all these costs because we do not believe it is fair to place this burden on the backs of the bus companies.
“So when the bus rider pays this new discounted fare, the Government will pay the difference directly to the bus companies.
“To pick up that 10 per cent cost, $6 million has been allocated in this budget.
“We will make an advance payment to all bus companies for the month of August based on previous records and reconcile with the acquittal and e-ticketing data every month.”
