Residents asked to report unauthorized short-route buses in Honiara

By Jimmy Nolan

The Honiara City Council (HCC) is urging the public to report vehicles providing public transport, including buses and taxis, that violate the HCC Transport Ordinance.

Head of HCC Law Enforcement, Mr. Robert Madeo, made the call following the ongoing issue of short bus routes operating in the city.

“Let us be reminded that the Honiara City Council Law Enforcement Division is continuing its routine operations to track down all illegal short-route buses that continue violating the HCC Public Transport Ordinance,” Mr. Madeo said.

He encouraged Honiara residents to report any such incidents, emphasizing that the Council will not tolerate unlawful activities in the city.

“I want to make it clear that the normal bus fare within Honiara city is only $3.00. Buses charging passengers $5.00 are operating illegally, and I encourage the public to report such practices to our office.

“It’s simple: provide us with a photo of the bus showing its registration number, along with the time, date, and location. You can come to our office or call our 24/7 landline at 26342 to log your complaint,” he said.

Mr. Madeo added that his Division will take action against illegal public transport practices, such as operating unauthorized short-bus routes and overcharging passengers.

“Our commitment is to provide safe, fair, and efficient public transport services for all city residents, and we urge all public transport operators to strictly follow the regulations set in the Public Transport Ordinance,” he said.

As part of its daily enforcement operations, a number of buses operating unauthorized short routes were apprehended and detained by the Law Enforcement Division, Mr. Madeo said.

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