Minibus drivers in the Western Division have welcomed the decision by the Fijian Consumer and Competition Commission to increase fares for six routes.
Nadi driver Solomone Ratu said the fare increase was long overdue.
“We had been asking for an increase for a while now,” he said.
“It was overdue because the cost of fuel was rising, but we were still on the same fares.”
He said the increase would assist drivers servicing these six routes.
Sigatoka minivan driver Taitusi Sova said fare increase for minivan drivers could not come at a better time.
“Some of us had to reduce the places we were servicing,” he said. “Because of the cost of fuel being too high we had to make these very hard decisions which meant less money going into our pockets.
“But now with this fare increase, it has brought some relief for us.” Meanwhile, Ba driver Peni Taito said he hoped that the increase would remain permanent.
“I heard that it was a decision for the time-being,” he saidDoes that mean it won’t be around for long? Will they keep this increase for good?”
He said the fare increase should be permanent and expanded to other routes.
“This is only six routes. I hope they consider other routes that also need to have the fare increased.”
According to FCCC, the adjusted fares were only for routes which the commission received submissions from.
“Any route for which submissions have not been received by FCCC during the submission period will need to make a submission to FCCC for adjustments in fares in due course,” the Commission said in a statement.
“FCCC has utilised cost index models on different routes to determine the new fares.”
