ROUTE 7 & 9 BUS SERVICE ON STRIKE AS FUEL PRICE INCREASE

CAPTION: Bus service route 7 and 9 on strike this morning.

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

COMMUTERS in the nation’s capital were had to walk to their destinations this morning as buses 9 and 7 servicing Gerehu, Waigani and 4mile (Boroko) and Gerehu, Waigani and Gordons respective routes, went on strike, after an alleged altercation between the bus crews and the Boroko Police regarding their increased bus fares.

Bus owners, drivers and crew together with members of the public gathered at Koni Tigers Oval in Waigani this morning to air out their grievances to the authorities.

A bus 9 driver, Rueben Lewa told this newsroom that the buses were doing their runs this morning but were allegedly attacked by police this morning for illegally increasing the bus fares.

Rueben said they understand that due to the global fuel supply crisis, the ICCC has increased the domestic price of diesel, petrol and kerosene however that has major implications on public motor vehicles that are operating a public service.

He said, last month he spent K300-K400 to fill up a tank but with the new fuel price, he now spends K500-K600, a very expensive exercise, and if they do not increase the bus fares, they will not make profits to keep their business running.

Chairman of the NCD Peace Mediation for Western Highlands Lekson Wak is appealing to the ICCC to release a circular allow the buses and taxis to add additional fares to cope with the fuel pricing until the issue is resolved.