New bus routes effective today
By EDDIE OSIFELO
SOME buses owners, drivers, and conductors have formed a task-force on Sunday to negotiate with Honiara City Council over the new bus routes.
This came after HCC sets to introduce the new bus routes today in Honiara.
Buses that failed to adhere to the new regulations will face a penalty of $20,000.
The bus routes are as follows:
Central Market to King George Six Bus stop, Gilbert Camp, Border Line, Kola’a, Naha, Tuvaruhu, Mbnokonavera, Nggossi, White River, Point Cruz, and Central Market.
Spokesperson of the task-force, Walter Maesugea said the formation of the interim body came about due to the in-activeness of the Honiara Bus Association.
Mr Maesugea said the Honiara Buses Association had not held its Annual General Meetings in the last five years.
Therefore, the association had failed to represent their interests to date.
As such, he said it is important to form an interim task-force to represent the interests of the buse owners to work with HCC and Government before a new association is set up this year.
“Bus industry is one of the partners in the tourism industry,” Mr Maesugea said.
“Therefore it is important to set up a Bus Association to improve their customer service and fight for their rights against any decision that affects them,” he added.
Mr Maesugea said the interim taskforce plans to meet with HCC today to discuss the new bus routes and other issues.
He believes that HCC made the decision to cut down on short bus routes.
Mr Maesugea, who had involved in the bus industry for the last 17 years, said the interim task-force will use the meeting with HCC to get the right information regarding the new routes and inform them of their challenges and struggles in the industry.
The Solomon Star understands HCC will open its door today for buses to purchase their licenses in order to operate on the new routes.
