The Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) has applauded the Government for boosting funding for transport assistance for schoolchildren.
The Government has allocated $37million in the 2024-2025 National Budget for the continuation of transport assistance for about 90,000 students.
FBOA president Richard Lal said bus operators recognised that any government must work to balance national priorities and aspirations within financial and resource constraints.
“So, the increase in the allocation for transport assistance for schoolchildren is commendable,” Mr Lal said.
“The allocation for students’ transport assistance has increased from $20m to $37m.
“This will enable the Government to cover full fares for schoolchildren as agreed between bus operators and the Government, effective from August 1, 2024.”
He said for about 50 years, bus operators had carried schoolchildren at a 50 per cent discount.
“We acknowledge the Government for recognising that it is the social responsibility of the state and not private enterprises such as the bus industry to provide such assistance.”
