THE Government will spend $20million in the 2026-2027 financial year to ensure that about 350,000 Fijians will not pay higher bus fares despite a recent 22.5 per cent increase approved for bus operators.
Presenting the National Budget yesterday, Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel said the Government moved quickly to cushion families from the impact of the global fuel crisis.
“In light of the fuel crisis, Government acted early and decisively to address the fuel crisis,” Mr Immanuel said.
“We chose to be proactive rather than reactive. We did not wait for the full effects of the crisis to be felt before taking action.”
He said one of the first impacts of rising fuel prices had been on public transport costs after the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission approved a 22.5 per cent increase in bus fares to reflect higher operating costs.
“Government carefully assessed the impact this would have on households and decided to fully absorb the entire increase.
“Government will continue this support in the next financial year with an allocation of $20million.”
Mr Immanuel said the subsidy meant approximately 350,000 daily commuters, including students using blue and yellow cards and adults using red cards, “will not pay a single cent more despite the fare increase”.
Mr Immanuel added that Government had also increased transport vouchers for Rural Service Licence operators and boat operators transporting students to ensure rural and maritime communities remained connected.
