Free Bus Fares For Fiji School Children

November 27, 2009 7:34 a.m. EST

Suva, Fiji (AHN) - The children of Fiji will continue to be exempted from paying bus fares into the new school year, it's been confirmed.

In his national budget address, Finance minister and Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said the government will continue the bus and other modes of transport fare subsidies for school children but through an incomes test mechanism.

He said the actual mechanics will be finalized within the next few weeks.

"The subsidy we believe is essential to ensure that children from low income families have affordable access to education," Bainimarama said.

Education minister Filipe Bole said while Government will continue to pay bus fares for school children next year, there is a committee working on details to ensure that the needs of those facing financial hardships in this regard are met.

"What we want to do is spread this assistance as widely as possible particularly to reach those who really need it," he told AHN media.