BUS drivers have been given the green light to reprimand rowdy students and to drive them to the nearest police station if unruly behaviour continues.
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said the approach was in response to students being disorderly following a secondary schools athletics competition.
She said at the police station, students could be asked to get off the bus and drivers could refuse to go any further.
“If the students are told to get off at a police station or post, we will contact the respective schools and ensure that the matter is dealt with,” Ms Naisoro said.
Fiji Bus Operators Association president Nissar Ali said bus drivers were worried about their safety in light of an incident where a driver was attacked in the past by unruly students.
He said teachers needed to escort students travelling in buses to ensure they remained well-mannered as the bus driver’s sole responsibility was driving the vehicle.
“Teachers need to be travelling with the students because they are their legal guardians and they should be taken to task if anything happens to students,” said Mr Ali.
“Instead, people are so smart to blame bus drivers when anything goes wrong in buses, especially if a student gets hurt.
“I agree with police that they should take buses with such students straight to police stations for their own safety and those of other passengers. “Serious action needs to be taken on this issue because this is not the first time it is happening.”
