The scheme, coordinated by the Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Poverty Alleviation, aims to assist the vulnerable in society.
Bus fare concession was made possible through an agreement signed between the government and the Fiji Bus Operators Association in Jan. 2011 whereby elderly persons over the age of 60 and people with disability are allowed to travel free of charge.
Elderly persons over the age of 60 are given 50 percent concession while people with disability are given full concession.
According to the ministry, the assistance is a commitment by the government in Fiji to address the needs of the vulnerable in society and alleviate poverty as articulated in the Roadmap for Democracy and Socio-Economic Development 2009 to 2014.
Out of the 16,542 people assisted, 16,230 elderly citizens and 312 people with disability have been issued with identification cards and vouchers.
Fiji Bus Operators Association general secretary Rohit Latchan said the association was extremely happy to partner with the government to provide services to senior citizens.
“We have had some problems with senior citizens boarding the bus without identification cards. We have discussed this with the Ministry of Social Welfare and it has been rectified. All in all, we are glad to be of assistance to the needy and vulnerable in the society,” Latchan said.
He has also reminded the beneficiaries to produce their ID and vouchers while boarding the buses.
