Over 1,000 people have taken part in an online survey by the Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA) regarding the proposed increase of bus fares in Efate from VT150 to VT200.

Bus fares have remained at VT150 for the past 10 years.

Chief Executive Officer of PLTA, Reginald Tabi, confirmed the survey results to VBTC News . He explained that the proposal aims to raise fares to VT200 for adults, citing global fuel price increases and the rising cost of vehicle spare parts in Vanuatu.

“These proposals are due to the increase of fuel in the world market. We don’t have control over that. Changes in prices and the cost of spare parts also affect vehicle operations in Vanuatu,” Mr. Tabi said.

Some residents expressed support for the increase. Tari Charley said,

“We are at VT150, but that has been too long. VT200 is good because everything is expensive now.”

Bus driver Kalorib Tunbel also supported the hike:

“For a long time we were only at VT150, but parts of a bus are expensive, some costing VT8,000–10,000.”

Other locals raised concerns about fairness:

“I am one that put my vote to the government, but the government must look at what a mother wants. If they put VT200 on bus fare, then minimum wages must also rise,” one resident said.

Some locals noted that if fares increase, drivers must remain honest, reliable, and maintain good attitudes and professional appearance. Others argued that fares are still low compared to the costs involved.

Mr. Tabi confirmed that the report from the online survey will be submitted to the Minister of Public Land Transport next month.

“We conducted the online survey, visited council areas, and used students during the holidays to help gather responses,” he said.

The proposed VT200 fare has been under discussion within the PLTA Board for three years.