Minister yet to decide on VT200 bus fare proposal: Director of Local Authorities

December 3, 2024 10:26 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

The proposed increase in adult bus fares to VT200 has yet to receive approval from the Minister of Internal Affairs.

Director of Local Authorities, Ian Abbil, confirmed that his office has received a draft letter from the SHEFA Port Vila Public Land Transport Association (SPVPLTA) but has not yet reviewed it.

Abbil said the decision rests with the minister, who will need to evaluate the proposal. However, given the current political situation and the upcoming snap election, the caretaker minister may delay addressing the matter.

The draft letter, authored by SPVPLTA President Donald Massing, indicates that the association resolved during its Annual General Meeting on November 29, 2024, to implement a new tariff structure starting January 1, 2025. 

Key reasons for the proposed fare increase include the lack of a valid tariff structure: since the Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) Act came into effect in 2015, public transport operators have been functioning without a legally approved tariff.

Another reason is the disparity across provinces: other provinces, such as TAFEA and MALAMPA, have already implemented higher bus fares, with TAFEA operators charging VT200 and MALAMPA VT150 for service buses.

The risk of work stoppages is another reason cited. The absence of a valid tariff structure could lead to service disruptions as public vehicle operators demand formal regulation.

An officer at the Local Authority highlighted the necessity of consensus among drivers from all provinces before implementing a nationwide fare increase.

Director Abbil noted that a similar proposal had been submitted in prior years but was never approved.

He added that the minister has emphasised the need for further discussions and consultations before any decision can be finalised.

The Daily Post has reached out to the Caretaker Minister of Internal Affairs, Andrew Napuat, for comment. While the caretaker minister is currently overseas, he has indicated his willingness to address the issue upon his return.

The decision on the bus fare increase remains pending, with discussions expected to continue to ensure fairness and broad-based agreement among stakeholders.