A NADI bus owner has made claims that Rural Service Licence transport vehicles are operating illegally and impacting on his business.
Dominion Transport Company Ltd managing director Satya Nadan said the issue was of serious concern because of his investment in the business.
“I am not against RSL vehicles, they have an important role to play because they were granted licences to operate in areas that my bus company does not service,” he said.
“What I am concerned about is the fact that they have started to operate as a shuttle service from Nadi to Korovuto or Sonaisali and this is affecting my business.”
Mr Nadan operates a fleet of 40 buses and employs 57 staff members.
“I have invested a lot of money into the business. Last year I bought 17 new buses and this was to ensure that passengers travel in comfort and safety.”
Ritesh Raj, advisory councillor for Korovuto and Nadovi said a lot of people in the community were unhappy with the lack of service by RSL operators.
“They are supposed to go from where the bus stops to the interior of Korovuto and Nadovi but they don’t do that,” he said.
“The people that rely on them for transport are being affected and this matter needs to be investigated.”
Land Transport Authority media liaison officer Anuragi Prakash said the LTA met the RSL operators and issued warning letters to them to refrain from illegal activities.
“The authority will monitor as well,” she said.
