HCC acts on short routes saga
THE Honiara City Council (HCC) Law Enforcement has arrested 15 buses for running short bus routes in the city, yesterday.
According to an HCC media statement, the buses arrested were running a short bus route from the Central market to Didao, Talise, and Discount at Ranadi.
“All bus drivers and conductors were brought to the HCC Law Enforcement office for charges and will appear in court.,” the statement said.
Since the short bus route has affected commuters, HCC has taken a stand on those who are not complying to provide the services expected on the routes.
The HCC management strongly advised all bus owners to comply to avoid such arrests that would affect their services.
The public is also urged to assist HCC by providing pictures or plate numbers, dates, time and routes for those buses running short routes and provide them to the Law Enforcement Division or can call them on 21191.
The number of arrests are expected to increase as the operation continues.
It is understood that the arrests were made following a huge public outcry over the short bus routes saga in recent days.
In 2018, HCC under the leadership of Andrew Mua as City Mayor passed an ordinance to regulate and control public bus service in the city.
This came after HCC received a lot of criticism from bus owners, conductors, and drivers on its re-introduced long bus routes.
The then City Mayor Mr Mua said the ordinance covers every issue relating to bus operations.
Meanwhile, a slow response by the HCC under Mayor Wilson Mamae has raised serious concern whether his leadership will still impose the tough penalties on the buses or not.
However, the latest action taken by the HCC has reactivated people’s trust on HCC to manage the illegal short bus routes which are currently being practiced by careless bus drivers and conductors.
The move was highly praised by members of the public acknowledging HCC for a fine job.
