19 Aug 2005

Pressure on bus fares as petrol price jumps in American Samoa

3:29 pm on 19 August 2005

Petrol prices have risen in American Samoa, by an average of 15 cents.

The government-appointed Commerce Commission, which regulates buses and taxis in American Samoa, is scheduled to meet this week to discuss a possible fare increase for both taxi and bus passengers.

Faced with a decreasing market share because of too many buses and taxis, low fares and dishonest riders, taxi and bus operators see a fare increase, coupled by enforcement, as the only way to keep their businesses afloat.

Taxi and bus operators say maintenance costs are also increasing, which contributes to the decrease in profits.