Commuters across Fiji will not pay higher bus fares despite a 22.5 percent fare increase approved by the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), with Government confirming it will absorb the full cost of the adjustment.

The fare increase came into effect on 26 May 2026, but Cabinet has approved funding to cover the additional costs alongside the existing 10 percent bus fare subsidy.

The measure is expected to cost Government approximately $40 million each year.

To support the implementation of the revised fares, Vodafone Fiji will update the e-ticketing system for blue, purple and green cards from 7 June 2026.

The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has already provided a 50 percent top-up on purple and green cards issued to social welfare recipients to accommodate the fare adjustment.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has ensured that blue cards issued to students from households earning less than $16,000 annually remain fully subsidised, with additional funding to be provided when necessary.

For users of adult red cards and student yellow cards, no changes will appear on the e-ticketing system. Instead, Government will directly reimburse bus operators for the increased fare costs through existing arrangements with Vodafone Fiji.

The Ministry of Finance has already released subsidy payments covering red card users for May and June, while the Ministry of Education will continue overseeing subsidy payments for yellow card holders.

Government says the initiative is aimed at protecting households from rising transport costs and ensuring public transportation remains accessible and affordable for all commuters.