Commerce Commission proposes to increase busfares

The government’s regulator for public transportation and commercial vehicles — Commerce Commission is moving to amend the American Samoa Administrative Code, Title 19, Chapter 01 to provide for the increase in bus rates and the establishment of new high school and elementary school bus rates in addition to other amendments related to commercial vehicle transportation.

Additionally, the new amendments also establish a new Chapter 02 to provide for fines for owners of commercial vehicles, commercial carriers, and passengers.

According to the proposed amendments High School student's bus fare will increase to 50 cents one-way and $1 for college students.

They must present to the driver during each ride a valid student identification card issued by the school, and must be traveling either from home to school or from school to home; while regular bus rates apply on weekends and school holidays.

Amendments are available to the public and may be picked up at the DOC on the second floor of the A.P. Lutali Executive Office Building in Utulei; ask for Latisha Olo, Fuli Solaita or Alexander Zodiacal. It can also be downloaded from the ASG website americansamoa.gov

Interested persons may submit written comments on the proposed amendments to the Department of Commerce on or before May 30, 2023.