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. The shuttle services is intended to promote the use of public transport over private vehicles by making it more convenient, flexible and reliable.
In terms of promoting electric buses in the country, the A-G stated that a station with electric charging stations will be built to coincide with the construction of a suburban bus transit line at Valelevu.
The A-G added that the Land Transport Authority will issue an expression of interest after finalising the routes. He urged those operating in the Valelevu area to submit their bids, which would be considered if they met all the requirements.
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. It will provide an opportunity to obtain new technical skills in EVs 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.
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.
With construction of the Valelevu Terminal beginning at the end of this month, shuttle buses of 21-25 seats and 7-meters will be used for the operations.