Bus operators stand firm on VT50 increase today

April 28, 2026 11:07 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Doddy Morris.

Bus drivers under the Port Vila and SHEFA Land Transport Association say they will go ahead with a VT50 increase in bus fares starting today, despite the Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) stating the move is unlawful and warning of enforcement action yesterday afternoon.

The group also reacted to PLTA’s call for passengers to report operators charging the increased fares, saying they are standing by their position and that the long-standing transport cost issue has been ignored for years.

Speaking to the Daily Post, Gilbert Kalanga Nasu, businessman and Acting Vice President of the Port Vila / SHEFA Land Transport Association, said drivers have been pushing for a fare review since 2018, arguing that rising operational costs have made current rates unsustainable.

“We all know that fuel prices have increased, and we have been fighting for an increase in bus fares since 2018. The government has been playing a fool to us until now,” he said.

He said transport operators are under pressure from rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance costs, and poor road conditions, adding that fluctuations in fuel prices have made planning difficult for drivers.

“If the Government is for the people, why can’t they cut the duty or reduce a little bit and hold on to tax at this moment?” Gilbert said, arguing that transport costs are affecting wider economic activity including shops, students, and market vendors.

He also criticised the role of the transport regulator, saying PLTA has not effectively addressed the issue of fare adjustments over the years.

“Our office at PLTA has been there for how many years now but has not done anything… they never do a thing to help the situation.

“They are only there to see if a driver breaks a law, then they will come in and prosecute,” he said.

Gilbert compared Port Vila fares with Tanna, saying Lenakel bus fares are VT200 while rural fares reach VT300, while Port Vila remains at lower rates despite higher operating pressures.

“We live in the capital and we still pay VT150… it’s about time,” he said.

He confirmed that affiliated drivers will begin implementing a VT50 increase from tomorrow, with current fares adjusted accordingly, and said students will be required to present ID to differentiate education levels for fare categories.

He also warned of possible industrial action if authorities intervene.

“If we all stand down, can the government machinery keep working?” he said.

Meanwhile, PLTA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Reginald Tabi has rejected the move, saying there is no approved fare increase and that any unilateral change is illegal.

He also described the bus drivers’ gathering at Independence Park as unlawful and urged passengers to report operators who charge the increased fare.

“We urge passengers to report bus drivers charging them the VT50 bus fare increase so that we can deal with the driver with the help of the Vanuatu Police Force,” Tabi said.

He further questioned the legitimacy of those organising the protest, claiming some participants may not be licensed operators, and reiterated that any fare adjustment must first be officially announced by the authority.

“Bus fares will increase once our office announces it. As of now, any bus fare increase made by bus drivers is unlawful,” he said.

The standoff now sets the stage for possible enforcement action as drivers proceed with their planned fare adjustment while the regulator maintains it will not recognise any increase outside official approval.