THE proprietor of a Lautoka bus company claims children are riding free on his buses because parents did not have Government-subsidised bus cards.
Pyara Singh, managing director of Lautoka General Transport Limited, said his company would cease from Monday, the free bus rides for the over 2000 students that board the bus from the Drasa, Naikabula, Ba and Nasi areas.
He also claimed many parents were sending their children to ride on buses, knowing that drivers would take pity on them and let them travel free-of-charge. He said drivers faced challenges when servicing the area.
“Children are forcing drivers to carry them free and kindergarten students also want to travel free,” Mr Singh said.
“The law says children up to five years should be carried free if accompanied by an adult and not occupying a seat.”
Mr Singh said a directive from the Fiji Bus Operators Association had strictly articulated that no student should be carried free on any bus run.
“Teachers need to raise this issue with the Ministry of Education because on Monday we are not going to carry any students for free,” he said.
When questioned about the complaints made by the bus company and several parents, Education Minister Rosie Akbar said 61,000 bus cards have been topped up.
She advised parents to seek help from ministry officials.
