Bus operators on Vanua Levu will struggle to operate if the bus fares don’t increase within a month.
With the fuel price increase, these operators had felt the pinch with the additional burden of the high costs of tyres and spare parts.
Roneel Chand, director of Dalip Chand and Sons Ltd in Labasa, has described the situation as tough because the company spends about $20,000 monthly on tyres.
“The cost of tyres is expensive, and in a month we spend so much because of the road conditions,” Mr Chand said.
“The fuel price increase has created even more problems, so, yes, we’re struggling to meet costs.
“But at the same time we have to serve the public and that’s our priority, so we hope the FCCC will carry out a good assessment of this.”
Naisa Tuinaceva, manager of Vishnu Holdings Ltd in Savusavu, echoed similar sentiments.
“We are struggling trying to make ends meet,” he said. “The fuel price has really hit us hard and the cost of spare parts and tyres being higher than Viti Levu are an added burden.
“But we will always prioritise the public, so it won’t be easy for bus operators. We hope for favourable results.”
