BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
BUSES have been asked not to increase their fares until proper dialogue is made by the rightful authorities.
Daily commuters meanwhile have been encouraged to report to the police any buses that are imposing five dollars fares on the general public.
This was confirmed to Isles media by the Honiara City Council City Mayor Mr Eddie Kasutee Siapu.
“Bus drivers and conductors suppose not to increase their fares until a proper discussion is convene between the rightful authorities,’’ he said.
“Our law enforcement officers have made it clear on Saturday 2nd July at the Central market bus-stop that all buses should and must comply to $3-00 bus fare,’’ he said.
Mr Siapu further stated that bus owners should channel their claim through the Bus association if the association still exist.
He told Sunday Isles on Monday that his office (HCC) has called for a meeting between the ministry of infrastructure, the ministry of commerce and the police to discuss the issue.
“The Honiara city council called for a meeting from these stakeholders however there is no response since we made the call but the meeting is likely to be held this week as quick as possible to solve the matter,’’ he said.
He stressed that whilst waiting for the important meeting, Mr Siapu has called on buses and their owners not to confuse the public.
“People are urged to report to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force if they come across buses that are continually imposing $5 Bus fares,’’ Lord Mayor Siapu advised.
Local fuel prices in the new month of July hit SBD$15 in Honiara on July 1st forcing bus service owners to impose increased bus fare charges to commuters.
Bus drivers when queried cited the increase in fuel prices in the country and globally as the sole reason to impose the bus fare increase of $3 to $5 today.
According to data by one of the country’s major fuel distributors, South Pacific Oil Limited, Unleaded Petrol (ULP), Diesel and Kerosene further soared by around $1 compared to June of 2022 and are currently sitting at, ULP- $13.9, Diesel – $15.03 and Kerosene – $15.23.
