Students’ behaviour in buses ‘hard to control’ November 19, 2013 | Filed under: Fiji News | Posted by: newsroom By FARISHA AHMED School bus drivers find it difficult to control the rowdy behaviour of students in buses, says the Fiji Bus Operators Association’s general secretary, Rohit Latchan. The remark came when this newspaper raised an issue regarding overcrowding in school buses. Mr Latchan said the bus drivers were there to transport passengers from one destination to another however the unruly students could not be controlled. “There are reckless students who are ignorant of the laws as well, however we cannot blame only the students,” he said. He is calling on the schools and teachers to take up the responsibility to educate students about safety issues. The Land Transport Authority had approved standing in the bus during peak hours, he said. Students or passengers are not allowed to sit on the window frames, or engine compartments. “For example, if the buses have the capacity of 60 school students, they can carry up to 88 passengers with the special kind of seating arrangement they have. “However, the students’ behaviour remains unchanged, but we are requesting schools and parents to play their part as well by educating their children.” Meanwhile, a report will be produced from observations done during last month’s Public Transportation Month. LTA spokesperson Iliesa Sokia said if school buses were to carry excess passengers, they were to apply for a special permit, but unfortunately it is not being done. The authority is looking at options to address the issue of safety. They are reminding students and passengers to be mindful and not board buses that are already full.
Posted on: Tue, 19 Nov 2013 21:24:55 +0000