From Monday, 23 February, most passenger buses started operating from the Fugalei Bus Terminal, moving away from the Savalalo Bus Terminal as it undergoes construction.

The move is designed to cater to the travelling public, but the first day brought with it traffic congestion as people navigated around the changes.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced that buses with scheduled departures may use the parking area in front of the market, opposite Farmer Joe and Frankies, to park.

The Savalalo Bus Depot will be designated for buses operating from the East and South areas only. (East Coast, Cross Island Rd and Motootua CBD routes). The area in front of the playground and oppsosite Lava Hotel will be used for bus parking.

The Fugalei Bus Depot will accommodate all buses operating from the West.

The move has sparked concerns among residents and students about overcrowding and potential safety risks.

University student Siumalae Samania said, “For me, I’m definitely sure the changes will be crowded. It also concerns me that college students might cause trouble and more fights.”

Another university student, Annfereni Sene, added, “As a university student, I would say it will be more dangerous. Even now, a lot of thieves are caught on CCTV footage acting as if they wanted to buy something, but their purpose is stealing. I would say the crowd will be in that area, and it will be overcrowded in town, which may cause a lot of fights between students.”

Resident Georgina McCarthy expressed similar concerns about traffic and space. “My opinion is that this should not be done. Why? Because it will make the roads in Fugalei very crowded. All the buses are being concentrated in that area, but we know well that there is not enough space or land to accommodate all the buses coming from different villages across the country,” she said.

Taxi driver Murray Sio said things could change for the better once people got used to the new routine.

He said his concern was that now taxis were not permitted to enter the bus areas. 

As the Fugalei Bus Terminal begins operation, residents continue to raise concerns over safety, overcrowding, and potential conflicts among students navigating the new bus hub.

LTA met with bus operators last week to discuss the new arrangements. Construction of the $3 million bus terminal in Savalalo has also begun.