BUS drivers and holders of public service vehicle licences have been issued a stern warning to follow the PSV protocols and procedures of the Land Transport Authority.
The authority has been inundated with calls from members of the public about the disruption of bus services in their area. And upon an internal enquiry, the authority found that whenever there was a disruption in service, it was not the bus operators' fault but the drivers who colluded among themselves to stay away from work.
In an incident in Suva two weeks ago, a major bus company had its services disrupted when seven of its drivers did not report to duty.
Frustrated members of the public vented their anger against the bus company by reporting it to the LTA which prompted this investigation.
The LTA said two drivers who "masterminded the collusion" were called in before the chief executive officer Naisa Tuinaceva and reprimanded before being issued with a warning letter.
The incident prompted Mr Tuinaceva to reiterate to bus drivers the importance of PSV licence.
"You are obligated and its mandatory by law that all protocols and procedures required under the PSV licence regulations are adhered to at all times," he said.
"You are a public vehicle driver and your service is towards the members of the public, you drive for the public and you must not abuse this privilege.
"If they cannot serve the public, we have capable people who are waiting to have their PSV licence approved that can do the job, but we cannot afford to have bus services disrupted by unscrupulous dealing."