Thursday 3rd July 2008
Bus Operators Meet To Decide on Next Step Publish date/time: 03/07/2008 [13:36]
The Fiji Bus Operators Association is currently meeting to discuss their next step, after the association strike was called off two hours after it started this morning.
Association President, Pyara Singh adds they will also discuss the issue of Tebara Transport, who continued their normal bus service this morning along the Suva/Nausori corridor.
Meanwhile, these are the sentiments of some of the regular bus users who were stranded this morning, as thousands were affected due to the bus strike.
Also, Principal Information Officer, Sainiana Waqainabete said the ministry earlier made a decision to issue temporary permits for 30 days, however after the Bus Operators Association resumed services this morning, the temporary permits will end this Sunday.
1000HRS: Bus Association seeks another meeting President Pyara Singh says Fiji Bus Operators Association wants another meeting with Interim Prime Minister to further discuss grievances. The Interim PM earlier assured the Association that he would look into their plight.
(Tebara Buses Managing Director: Arvind Maharaj)
0900: Schools to remain closed Interim Minister for Education Filipe Bole says its too late to re-open schools with bus strike being called off in the last hour.
0800: Investigations Into Bus Strike Begin Official investigations begin to determine if any laws were breached this morning when members of the Fiji Bus Operators Assocations ceased operations today.
(Director Operations SSP Waisea Tabakau)
0800: Bus Strike Called Off Buses begin operation after Fiji Bus Operators Association called off the strike, which began at 6am today, after Interim PM assured association that he would look into their grievances.
(Pyara Singh – President, Fiji Bus Operators Association) interview with FijiVillage.
0730: Fiji Taxi Union Monitors Situation The Fiji Taxi Union said they will monitor the situation and then decided on their next step – whether to join the protest by the bus operators or to assist the Ministry of Transport. General Secretary Rishi Ram said if everything comes to a standstill they will hold an emergency meeting. At a meeting on Wednesday 02/07/08 the Taxi Union had been told to hand in submissions.
Rishi Ram
0700: People Left Stranded People left stranded trying to get transport to work and school as the Fiji Bus Operators Association ceased bus operations around the country. Along the Suva/Nausori Corridor, from Samabula to Lami and in the West people report increased fares charged by mini-buses, carriers and taxis.
People on no buses:
FijiVillage reporter Petrina Zinck reports people walking to work:
FijiVillager reporter Roneel Lal reports minibus and carrier drivers charging more:
FijiVillager reporter Gulsher Ali reports from the West:
0630: Bus Decision Unwarranted Interim Minister for Transport Timoci Natuva said the decision of Fiji Bus Operators Assocation is unwarranted – citing allowances granted by government:
- January 2008, LTA grants 10% increase in busfares
- July 1st, 2008 VAT excluded based on monthly revenue
0600: Bus Strike Begins Fiji Bus Operators Association members cease operation all over the country.
Fiji Bus Operators Assocation General Secretary Cheytanya Latchman confirmed that the association had rejected a proposal from the interim government to assist the operators:
In Suva Tebara buses continue to operate services in the Nakelo, Bau, Rewa Delta areas and along the Suva/Nausori corridors. Tebara Managing Director Arvind Maharaj says further dialogue is needed:
Wednesday 02/07/08
1800: Bus Services To Cease Fiji Bus Operators Association announces decision to cease operations from 6am Thursday 03/07/08. iji Bus Operators Association General Secretary Cheytanya Latchman confirms this.
The Media Liaison Officer for the Ministry of Transport Sainiana Waqainabete said Interim Transport Minister Timoci Natuva is taking the threat seriously and making contingency plans.
1600: Bus Operators Hold Emergency Meeting Emergency meeting held by Fiji Bus Operators Association in Suva. On the agenda the decision by the interim government to allow for subsidies instead of an increase in busfares, as requested by the association. Also on agenda the suspension of bus services in the rural areas because of bad roads.
Tuesday 01/07/08
1600: No Bus Fares Increase Increase in bus fares not approved by government, instead they will offer bus operators subsidies to cushion the blow of increasing fuel prices.
Principal Information Officer at the Transport Ministry, Sainiana Waqainabete confirmed that cabinet has approved the subsidies.
