Litia Cava 
[File Photo]
Bus passengers will not face higher fares, despite a 22.5 per cent temporary fare adjustment approved by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission.
The government will absorb the increase and compensate bus operators directly.
The adjustment will take effect from Friday and will apply to regulated bus routes in Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni for six months.
The FCCC approved the adjustment after reviewing renewed submissions from bus operators, revenue assessments and forecasts of higher fuel costs in the coming months.
The Commission also considered ongoing geopolitical tensions and the potential impact of rising transport costs on households.
However, the government will absorb the increase and compensate bus operators directly.
This means passengers will continue paying the current fares, with no additional cost at the point of travel.
For passengers using 100 percent subsidised cards, receipts will show the full fare charged.
The temporary adjustment had previously ended on August 31. It will now remain in place until April 9 next year.
The FCCC said the measure was intended to ensure bus services continue without disruption while it monitors fuel prices and industry conditions.
If international fuel prices stabilise or fall, the Commission states it will reassess the temporary adjustment.
Passengers are also being urged to report overcharging or other unfair trading practices to the FCCC.
The Commission said the revised fares would be used to determine the amount paid to bus operators, while the travelling public will continue to pay the existing fares.
