Caption: Consumer Council of Fiji CEO Premila Kumar. File Photo.
The Consumer Council of Fiji commends the Land Transport Authority’s decisive action yesterday; in grounding Nasese Buses’ fleet following the recent bus fires involving the company’s buses.
The grounding of bus fleets such as that taken against Nasese Buses should be made when such incidents occur. This will finally ensure that passengers’ lives are not put at risk by travelling in such buses and also safeguard other road users.
The Council believes that LTA’s decision to ground Nasese Bus’ fleet was long overdue, especially with the increase incidents of bus fires.
LTA’s stance in this matter should act as a warning to other bus companies to take measures to keep their buses safe. Bus companies must conduct regular check and thorough maintenance of their buses for the safety of their passengers.
While this grounding is in place the Council would like the authorities to ensure that consumers are not deprived of bus services. Consumers living in these routes will still need frequent and reliable buses needed to carry out their day to day activities such as work, school, shopping etc
The Council hopes that the grounding will stay in effect until Nasese Bus Company can prove the safety of all their buses and if the company is unable to prove otherwise, the buses should remain grounded. Let other bus company provide service for that route.