THE Fiji Bus Operators Association (FBOA) has clarified that it is entirely on the bus companies to charge a levy on passengers to carry their luggage.
FBOA’s clarification came after a report that a bus company on Taveuni was levying charges on passenger luggage on daily commutes.
As many as 300 people have lodged a signed complaint with the Consumer Council of Fiji expressing their dismay with the charges being thrust on to them for any carry-ons such as shopping bags, sacks or cartons.
FBOA president Nisar Ali said he was aware of such levies being charged on the passengers.
“That is a norm,” said Mr Ali.
“That is entirely on the bus company and not on the Fiji Bus Operators Association, what they want to charge for a bag of cassava, a bag of dalo, or bele or anything, you name it, to bring it to the market. If they carry bags from a distance, for example, if a farmer loads five bags of cassava, there is a levy. Some may charge $2, $5, some may charge $3, it depends on the company what they want to charge apart from the fare.”
He said this sort of levy was not new as it had been charged by some bus companies.
