Shuttle service in Nasinu intended to promote the use of public transport over private vehicles - AG

Construction of the new Valelevu Bus Terminal begins at the end of this month with an aim to have shuttle services for people living in the greater Nasinu area, Davuilevu and Nakasi.

Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and members of the Ministry of Economy and Land Transport Authority met with bus operators to discuss the Valelevu shuttle bus pilot program that will serve the Greater Nasinu area, the most densely populated area of the country, including Davuilevu and Nakasi.

Sayed-Khaiyum says the shuttle service is intended to promote the use of public transport over private vehicles by making it more convenient, flexible and reliable.

Shuttle buses of 21-25 seats and 7-metres will be used for the operations.

In terms of promoting electric buses in the country, Sayed-Khaiyum says a station with electric charging stations will be built to coincide with the construction of a suburban bus transit line at Valelevu.

He explained that the Land Transport Authority will issue an expression of interest after finalising the routes.

Sayed-Khaiyum has urged those operating in the Valelevu area to submit their bids, which would be considered if they met all the requirements.

He says this initiative will provide proof of concept in operating electric shuttle buses in Fiji’s local context, before large scale roll-out of electric vehicles.

The Minister for Economy adds that it will provide an opportunity to obtain new technical skills in Electrical Vehicles to meet future demand, reduce reliance on high-cost fuel imports, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and demonstrate Fiji’s Climate leadership on the global stage.

He says the project will assist in meeting Fiji’s climate targets which is to reduce emissions 30% by 2030, achieve 100% renewables by 2036 and Net-zero by 2050.