www.lifhaus.com.sb

Public buses in Honiara have begun to take shorter routes while more destinations are being added.  Buses from White River will typically put up signs for Point Cruz or Kukum rather than the usual practise of going up to King George or Naha.  Some White River residents are already saying that in order to get to work, they have to use two buses when trying to get to work at Ranandi or anywhere past Point Cruz.

"We often rush for the buses so sometimes we do not have any choice at all.  The worst experience I had was when I hopped on a bus to Point Cruz.  I had intended to go to work at Ranandi but when all the passengers got off at Mendana Hotel, the bus then put up a KGVI sign.  I refused to board the bus again but it was very inconvenient for me." said one such frustrated customer.

Another passenger who spoke with Lifhaus said that "buses are not following any set rules.  They just depend on the driver or the bus conductor who make judgements based on the number of people at the bus stop."  Others admit that it is profitable for buses to run shorter routes during peak hours.  "The objective is to pick everybody from White River and get them to the shortest distance possible then come back for more."  In the past it frustrated bus owners to see their buses going all the way to KGVI from White River with only a few passengers or sometimes even just one passenger.

Many of the passengers with whom Lifhaus spoke with agree that the bus industry must now be regulated.  Some have insisted that responsible authorities like the Honiara City Council or the relevant government ministry or department must look for ways to organize bus routes and even standardize bus fares.  "It is true that a bus will make a loss if only one passenger was in the bus from Ranandi to Burnscreek having paid only $2.  Imagine if the bus had made a quick turn and picked up 10 more passengers, it will make a lot more money." 

Others indicated that these plans and discussions must be done to ensure that both parties are satisfied.  "At the end of the day, bus owners must also make money and passengers would like to get where they are going safe and sound.  So a plan that works for both parties will be very good for the traveling public."

Finally, another regular communter simply insisted that buses must follow a set time table.  "I would just like to know that when I get to my stop at a certain time, the bus will be there.  Taking chances is frustrating and a hassle when everyone fights for seats on the bus.  Knowing the bus timetable and how much people are traveling at certain times will allow me to make better decisions on when to travel."