More consultations are expected before a decision will be taken on the proposal to increase bus fares.

Chair of the independent bus fare review committee Joel Abraham says they remain committed to finding a viable solution for all parties.

“In December when we had the meeting with them, I had said to them if you give us full information, because this is so critical to Fiji, I won’t go on leave, our staff won’t go on leave, we’ll process this and we did not go on leave, we were waiting for the Bus Industry.  On 18^th, we wrote back to them saying more information is needed, today, we had a meeting, we’ve given them the same information that you need to come back, provide full and complete information ”

Fiji Bus Operators Association President, Richard Lal says around 48 bus owners turned out for the meeting with the committee as an expression of how dire their situation is.

Lal says the rising cost of business for them continues to eat at any profits for operators.

He says they are hoping to get approved for at least a 15 percent increase on bus fares.

“Well we’re hoping common sense will prevail and that some resolutions are provided.”

However, Abraham maintains that no decision will be made on a bus fare increase until all the necessary financials are submitted by bus operators.

He says, the committee will need to look at a cost analysis and evaluate the expenditure trend from 2017 to 2018.