BY CHRIS ALEX
Honiara City Council (HCC), through its Law Enforcement Division, has taken firm action against illegal public transport practices, arresting individuals involved in operating unauthorized short-bus routes within the city.
An arrest was made on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 during routine compliance checks conducted by HCC officers to ensure public transport vehicles are adhering to their designated routes, as required by the Honiara City Council Public Transport Ordinance.
According to HCC, a bus operating an unauthorized short-route was apprehended and immediately detained as part of the enforcement process.
The conductor of the bus was issued an on-the-spot fine of SBD $2,500 for his involvement in the offence and has since settled the penalty.
However, the incident remains under active investigation. The bus driver and the registered owner of the vehicle are scheduled to appear before the Honiara Magistrate’s Court at a later date, where they will face formal charges related to the offence.
Short-route operations where public buses intentionally avoid completing their full licensed routes in favor of quicker, more frequent returns are strictly prohibited under HCC transport regulations.
These practices, officials say, not only undermine the integrity of the city’s public transport system but also take advantage of passengers who depend on consistent and reliable transport service throughout Honiara.
The council reiterated its commitment to provide safe, fair, and efficient public transport services for all city residents, and urges all public transport operators to strictly follow the regulations set forth in the Public Transport Ordinance.
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