The Commerce Commission, which regulates buses and taxis, is proposing the first hike in bus fares in ten years.
The fare increase is included in a Notice of Intended Action by the Commerce Commission, under the Administrative Procedures Act.
Bus fares for all routes are to be increased by 25 cents and the commission is also moving to set a new bus rate for elementary and high school students.
From the old Marist Brothers in Atuu to the end of Fagaalu village, the fare will be $1.23.
From the Fagatogo Market to the airport intersection, which is now $1.25, the new fare would be $1.50.
From the Fagatogo Market to areas on the west side of the airport intersection, up to Leone and Auma, the fare jumps from $1.50 to $1.75. And for areas further to the west of Leone up to Amanave, including Aoloau and Asau, the fare would up from $1.75 to $2. And for areas beyond Amanave, it would be $2.25.
From the Fagatogo Market to Laulii-tuai, which is now $1.25, the fare would be $1.50 to areas east of Laulii-tuai. Up to Amouli and Fagasa, it would be $1.75; and to villages beyond Amouli to Tula, the new fare is $1.75.
From the Fagatogo market to Onenoa up to Sailele the fare would be $2.25, up from $2 and to Afono it would be $2.25; to Vatia the new fare is $1.75.
The intended rule also provides proposed bus charter rates. One way is capped at $200 and $350 for round trip.
For student bus fares, the Commerce Commission is proposing a one way fare of $1, up from 50 cents, for full time students enrolled at the American Samoa Community College.
The student must present their full time student ID, they must be traveling either from home to the college or from the college to home. On weekends and college holidays, the regular bus rates will apply for ASCC students.
For elementary and high school students, the fare would be 50 cents, up from 25 cents and students must have a student ID card. They must be traveling either from home to school or from school to home. The regular bus rates apply for elementary and high school students for other trips.
A copy of the proposed amendment is now available at the Department of Commerce or can be downloaded from the government website americansamoa.gov.
Interested persons may submit written comments on the proposed amendment to the Department of Commerce on or before May 30.
Click here for the proposed rule: Commerce-Commission-Notice-of-Intended-Action-Press-Release-4MAY23-2
