Students at the National University of Samoa (NUS) are concerned over ongoing bus delays during peak morning hours, saying the issue is causing them to face long waits and arrive late for class.

NUS student Joyrita Tauilili said that between 8 am and 9 am each day over the past week, many students travelling from Fugalei to campus have been left waiting for long periods due to a shortage of NUS school buses.

“Many of us are forced to wait for over 30 minutes,” he said.

With the semester nearing its end and final examinations closing, Joyrita said the delays are creating chaotic and stressful mornings.

“We are worried about arriving late for classes and the overall impact on our academic performance,” he said.

The lack of bus transport has become a daily struggle for many students trying to get to class on time.

Another student, Misipati Ene, said buses during peak hours are often delayed or already full before reaching some stops, leaving students waiting.

“The lack of buses makes us late for class and affects our daily school routine,” he said.

“More buses and better bus schedules should be provided during busy morning hours,”  Misipati added. 

The concerns come as broader transport challenges were also identified in recent reporting by the Samoa Observer.

Bus drivers have warned that rising diesel prices are placing increasing pressure on daily operations.

They said fuel costs now take up a large share of daily earnings, reducing profits even when buses are full and making it harder to keep regular routes running.

They also said that higher operating costs are now limiting how many trips bus drivers feel are worth taking each day.