Parents in Fiji should follow the example of our island neighbors New Zealand.
That is the sentiment of Consumer Council of Fiji Chief Executive Premila Kumar as debate continues over the charging of adult fares to school children.
Kumar said that in New Zealand, the parents have no choice but to put their children in schools near to their homes.
What parents need to realize is that in Fiji there is a standard system of education in the country.
Kumar urged parents to send their kids to nearby schools as money usually spent on bus fares can be used elsewhere.
Earlier, Draiba Fijian School Head teacher Noa Raratabu said the school has a roll of 448 primary school students however every week close to 100 students do not attend school.
Raratabu added that the leading problem is the recent increase in bus fares and this has affected them as many of them come from areas outside of the Suva area.
Meanwhile, LTA Chief Executive Etuate Koroi said they are currently having discussions with all the concerned parties to come to a consensus on the fares for school children.
The law clearly stated that school children are given half rate on designated school buses.
LTA had earlier told Fijivillage that if the school children do miss the school bus then it is up to the discretion of the bus drivers whether to charge the school children adult fares or not.
Parents urged to follow NZ example
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