Bus fares will temporarily increase by 22.5 per cent from October 9, but paying passengers will continue to pay their current fares after Government agreed to absorb the increase and compensate bus operators directly.
The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) approved the temporary adjustment following a review of revenue assessments and renewed submissions from bus operators.
The adjustment will apply to regulated routes in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni for six months, ending on April 9, 2027.
FCCC said it considered information provided in renewed submissions as well as forecasts indicating fuel costs could increase in the coming months.
It also took into account ongoing geopolitical tensions and the potential impact of higher transport costs on Fijian households.
The 22.5 per cent adjustment had previously ceased on August 31 but will now be reinstated.
According to FCCC, the measure is intended to ensure bus operators can continue providing essential public transport services without disruption.
However, commuters will not have to meet the increased cost themselves.
“Recognising the impact this adjustment will have on households and the travelling public who rely on this essential service across Fiji, the Government has decided to absorb the increase and compensate the bus operators directly,” FCCC said.
“This means that paying passengers will continue to pay the same fares with no additional financial burden.”
For passengers whose cards are fully subsidised, receipts will display the full fare charged.
FCCC said it would continue monitoring global fuel prices and industry conditions during the six-month period.
Should international fuel prices stabilise or decline, the Commission said it would reassess the temporary measures where appropriate.
