The Fiji Bus Operators Association has welcomed the decision by the government in taking the burden off the parents' shoulders and waiving bus fares for students travelling in school buses from next Wednesday.

General Secretary Rohit Latchan said this decision by the government means that more children will now be able to attend school.

He said nothing will change for the bus industry as they will still be getting the bus fare but this time from the government.

However, he said this will be a big relief to parents and guardians.

Latchan also confirmed that students will be paying half fare for areas where there are no school buses.

Latchan said this decision will now encourage students to use school buses to go to school which drops them right in the school vicinity which is also safer for the children.

He said any student who gets a school bus in his area but opts to travel in the passenger bus will have to pay full fare.

Latchan is calling on all the students to take advantage of the benefit and travel by the school bus.