No approval for bus and taxi fare increase in Santo, PLTA warns operators
April 27, 2026 10:01 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
The Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) has confirmed that no increase in bus or taxi fares has been approved in SANMA Province, despite claims circulating on social media.
PLTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Reginald Tabi said transport operators must not raise fares, warning that any such action is unauthorised and places unnecessary pressure on the public.
“There is no approval for an increase in bus fares or taxi fares in SANMA, especially in Luganville yet, and I ask transport owners, especially taxi and bus operators, not to overcharge customers or people in Luganville,” Tabi said.
His comments follow reports that some bus owners have been proposing fare increases online, a move that PLTA says is not supported by the Sanma/Luganville Land Transport Association or its board.
Authorities, including PLTA, the local Transport Association and police, conducted public awareness in Luganville last week to clarify the Government’s position following the recent rise in fuel prices.
CEO Tabi acknowledged that fuel costs have increased but emphasised that the Government has already stepped in to support transport operators.
“As the Prime Minister has stated in his statement concerning the increase in fuel prices, the Government will help transport owners for three months,” he said.
He added that only compliant operators will benefit from the support.
“Transport owners who have completed all their 2026 paperwork and permits will receive support from the Government for three months,” Tabi explained.
The Government subsidy is aimed at easing the burden of fuel price increases while preventing an increase in public transport fares.
Tabi reiterated that fare increases remain off the table for now.
“So despite the fuel price increase, the PLTA has not approved any increase in bus or taxi fares in Santo. Do not overcharge customers,” he said.
PLTA has also called on operators who shared proposed fare increases online to remove the information, warning that the posts have already caused concern among residents in Luganville.
The authority is encouraging transport operators to ensure their documentation is up to date so they can qualify for government assistance, while urging the public to report any cases of overcharging.
