VT45.8M from 2023 Public Transport permits in Efate
March 20, 2024 11:26 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Nicholas Mwai.
A total of Vatu (VT) 45.8 million was paid for public transport permits in Efate last year, according to data from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) Reginald Tabigerian.
This sum highlights the financial burden faced by transport operators, especially considering recent complaints about the state of the roads and the associated maintenance costs.
The PLTA reported that 2,393 public transport vehicles were registered this year, a significant decrease from the 4,580 vehicles registered the previous year in Efate and Port Vila.
These registrations, while necessary for operating legally, come with hefty fees, with permits that cost VT10,000.
Noel Robert, a service bus driver, expressed frustration over the condition of the roads. “These roads are an absolute nightmare,” he said.
“It’s like navigating through a war zone out there. With the amount we are paying for permits, you would think they’d at least maintain the roads properly.”
Mr. Amos Aru, who frequently drives markets around Efate, reiterated these sentiments, commenting on the financial strain on operators.
“Some of us are barely scraping by as it is, and then we are hit with these exorbitant permit fees,” he said.
“And don’t get me started on the damage to our vehicles. I’m still paying off the loan for my truck, and driving on these roads is like playing Russian roulette with it. Every bump and pothole is a potential repair bill waiting to happen. It’s just not fair.”
Jackson Willie, another bus driver, highlighted the additional financial burden of fuel prices and repair costs.
“The cost of repairs alone is enough to bankrupt us. And don’t even mention fuel prices, it’s like they’re kicking us while we’re already down,” he said.
“We are out here trying to make an honest living, but it feels like the system is rigged against us. Something needs to change, and it needs to change fast.”
