The Minister for Transport Colonel Timoci Natuva has challenged bus operators in the country to invest in international standard buses for the traveling public in Fiji.

Speaking at the Fiji Bus operators Association Annual General Meeting yesterday morning, Colonel Natuva revealed to the stakeholders that to enable the bus industry to survive in Fiji, government has invested in a comprehensive review of the industry conducted by a specialist, the Orion Consultants.

Natuva said at the same time, government is optimistic that the industry will reinvest in itself and work towards providing better buses that are not only safe, but will allow the traveling public to travel in style and comfort.

Refering to the tragic bus fire incident in Malaqereqere which claimed 12 lives, Col. Natuva also urged bus operators to to ensure proper and timely maintenance of their fleets and has recommended that operators adopt the system being used by Coral Sun Fiji, where they have installed GPRS systems which allows them to monitor the speed and location of their buses at any time.

The Minister also revealed that a few bus companies, like Shore Buses, S. Nair and Tebara transport have started testing the use of bio fuel derived from coconuts and urged others to follow suite to consider the environmental impacts of running buses on diesel fuel.

Natuva stressed that the way forward for the industry is to recognize that global changes will begin to impact on their business as people travel and begin to demand modes of transportation that is now available internationally.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Police Force has urged the bus operators that the safety of the passengers is paramount and the bus that is travelling on the roads should be also safe.

Director Roads SSP Mahesh Mishra said 2009 was the best year as there were little fatalities happened on our roads.