BY INDY MAEALASIA
RESIDENTS of Papaho in Central Honiara are voicing growing frustration over
inconsistent bus fares charged by public transport operators, urging the Honiara City
Council (HCC) to step in and regulate pricing.
Concerned commuters have reached out to this paper to voice their disappointment,
particularly highlighting the financial strain caused by the issue.
“It’s tough, especially with the financial hardship everyone is facing these days,” said a
parent who wished to remain anonymous.
“The five-dollar bus fare has really affected me as a parent. Imagine paying that much
every day from Monday to Friday—and sometimes even on weekends,” she added.
The parent also claimed that passengers who offer the usual $3 fare are sometimes
forced off the bus mid-trip.
“We don’t deserve this kind of treatment. The standard fare should be $3, but if we pay
that, the driver and conductor sometimes put us out. I’ve seen it happen myself.”
With no other transport alternatives available, she said residents have little choice.
“At the end of the day, all we want is to get home and have time to do housework and
care for our children,” she said.
A student from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) also shared her
experience, saying she can only afford $3 per day, but the fluctuating fares have forced
her to spend more.
“It’s a strain, especially since my parents live in the village and can’t support me
financially,” she said.
In response to the concerns, Robert Madeo, head of Law Enforcement at HCC urged
public to cooperate with the Council by filing formal complaints and noting down the
bus’ plate numbers.
He said that his team has conducted awareness campaigns about the standard bus fare
at the bus stop, hoping public transport operators and the public are aware of the
standard bus fares and town boundaries.
However, Madeo said that resolving issues related to short bus routes, fare disputes,
and town boundaries will require collaboration not only from HCC but also from
relevant government ministries and the Guadalcanal province.
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