The government committee overseeing the Free School Bus Fare Program is now exploring some options and are hoping to implement a better or neater system to ensure the program runs smoothly.
Transport Ministry Spokesperson, Sainiana Waqainabete said their main aim is to adopt a new system to replace the current system where the Finance Ministry gives funds to the Education Ministry and then the schools have to disburse the school bus fare daily to the students.
Waqainabete admits that there are teething problems.
However they hope that they find a solution within one and a half weeks.
Waqainabete said they have also spoken to the bus industry, the Land Transport Authority and the Transport Ministry about a number of matters arising in the media since the implementation of the program.
Based on that, bus drivers and operators have today been warned that stringent action will be taken against those who overcharge students when they travel in buses.
Following the implementation of the Free Bus Fare Program, it has been established that some students are being overcharged by bus some drivers who service certain school bus routes.
Waqainabete said no one will be spared and this warning should be taken seriously.
Meanwhile a concerned mother from Raiwaqa has raised concerns on some bus drivers in the area who have decided to take advantage of the Free Bus Fare programme.
Speaking to Fijivillage news, the mother who preferred to remain anonymous said that the drivers are overcharging the students are are not issuing and tickets.
Parents have been asked to call their bus companies if they suspect the drivers are charging their children more than the actual fare.
The call comes after some parents from Samabula complained that the morning school bus that picks children from Samabula North and drops them at Samabula Primary School charges them 60 cents whereas students travelling as far as Nasese from Samabula pay the same amount.
The bus company providing service in the area has confirmed that the fare from Samabula North to Samabula Primary School is only 35 cents and is urging parents to call them and provide the company with the bus number charging students extra fare after which the driver will be dealt with.
Students have also been called to ask for tickets after paying their fare.
The government has already called on bus drivers to be honest.
Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama had told Fijivillage News that he was concerned with how the bus drivers operate when he confirmed that options are being looked at on whether the Free Bus Fare Program will continue next year.
As suggestions are being made on the best way to handle the Free Bus Fare Program for students travelling in school buses, many struggling parents say are happy with the assistance being provided.
The Free Bus fare programme which came into effect two days ago is a big relief for a Bua farmer, who struggles to support his two children.
Mukesh Chand has no choice but to send his two teenage children to a school far from home as there are no secondary schools in Nasarawaqa. Chand adds that the money saved will now be used for his children's school books next year.
Options explored to implement better School Bus Fare Program
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