PLTA calls for incident reports identifying misbehaving drivers
January 21, 2026 10:25 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Doddy Morris.
The Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) has requested that incident reports must be submitted to the Authority with the names of drivers involved, so disciplinary actions can be taken by the PLTA Board.
The PLTA made the call amid growing concerns over the conduct of some bus drivers in Port Vila during cruise ship days, following reports on social media about disruptive behaviour affecting visitors.
In a statement, PLTA stressed that while a few drivers have engaged in misconduct, it is unfair to blame all bus drivers for the actions of a minority.
“Disruptive behaviour is caused by only a handful of drivers, yet social media reports often generalise and blame all drivers,” the Authority said.
The PLTA has also reminded other stakeholders—including Ports & Harbour, the Vanuatu Police Force, the Department of Tourism (DoT), and Port Vila Municipal Wardens—who are usually present at the seafront during cruise days, to report incidents with the names of the drivers involved. This ensures the Authority can take proper disciplinary measures.
The issue was reinforced during a stakeholders meeting on 20 January 2025, organised by the Acting Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Trade at the request of the DG of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Resolutions from the meeting will be communicated by the Department of Tourism.
PLTA has appealed to all bus drivers to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully toward visitors, emphasising that aggressive solicitation or harassment will not be tolerated if reported.
“Let’s all work together to ensure visitors enjoy their stay and continue to support the Vanuatu Tourism Office and DoT so cruise ships keep visiting our beautiful country,” the Authority said.
There is also a clarification regarding the 19th of this month, when a cruise ship was scheduled to visit Port Vila but later did not arrive. Rumors suggested that the ship’s cancellation was due to the bus drivers; however, information received by the Vanuatu Daily Postfrom the cruise line stated that the reason was bad weather and concerns for the safety of their guests and crew.
“As the safety of our guests and team members is always our highest priority, we made the decision to cancel Noordam’s scheduled calls to Port Vila, Vanuatu on Monday, January 19 and to Mystery Island, Vanuatu on Tuesday, January 20,” the Cruise ship informed the Daily Post newspaper.
