Don't Use the Minibuses

Just got back from 2 superb weeks in Fiji and wanted to pass on something I learned, almost the hard way. In getting around, use the local full size buses and on longer runs the full size airconditioned buses. I made the mistake of taking a minibus from Nadi to Suva. A minibus is simply a van fully outfitted with seats. It was the most harrowing automotive experience I've ever had, including high school. The bus was full and had 14 occupants including an infant. The driver literally blasted his way along the two lane road with fairly heavy traffic and lots of people walking along the side. The speed limit varied between 50 and 80 kph with slower zones in village areas. Most the time it was 80 and when it was he drove at speeds of 110-115 kph, passing the other traffic at high speeds and often in the face of oncoming traffic, once forcing a driver in the oncoming lane to take evasive action. In the slower areas he still went as fast as he could. If it was just one driver I wouldn't be writing this. But to avoid a repeat I took a taxi back; we drove at the speed limit and were passed several times by minibuses at very high speeds. We saw the same thing happening in the other direction. The taxi driver told me they're very dangerous, that the drivers make as many runs per day as possible to maximize their earnings. He also said that the previous week a minibus had killed someone. All to save an hour or so on a 4 hour drive. But you'd be really late if dead. Why take chances?

in the many times in the last three years I've travelled the Suva to Nadi road by private car or taxi or bus, I can't remember a mini bus overtaking us. For all drivers the speed limit is only a guide and there is radar in places. overtaking on double lines is the norm and I've seen some scary ones but with all that I've seen very few accidents as other drivers slow to let other cars in.

As a previous resident of Fiji for 2 years I would tend to agree with the OP.
We might occasionally use mini busses for short journeys, but not for longer ones.
They do have a bad record.

Cheers,
Peter

That's a not uncommon story with mini-buses in many countries. It can be nerve-wracking at the best of times. I did see the consequence of one minibus accident on Vanua Levu, on the road between Savasavu and Labasa.

For long distances I used buses, which are usually more comfortable if only because they're bigger. May of the older buses couldn't go fast even if the driver had his foot to the floor, struggling up hills. At a couple of places I think I could have passed the bus if I was outside, walking up the hill.

The minivans for shuttling around Lautoka were usually OK.

Sounds a hell of a lot like the mini buses in Thailand - terrifying.

I used to book them as late at night as possible so I couldn't see anything lol

I totally agree with OP's post.

They also tend to be a bit of a rip off money wise, although the safety aspect is the main reason to avoid them. We booked a minibus to drop us off at a pick up point an hour or so away for a weekend at an island... They charged us a ridiculously excessive amount, drove dangerously (we could have sworn they were even aiming to hit the stray dogs which were out and about on the roads) and then dropped us off at the WRONG location for our boat pick up... Needless to say that we got a local bus on our way back to Suva and paid approximately F$2 and got back safe and sound to the correct location. After this we just figured out the routes using public transport and trusted in ourselves enough to know we would find our way to where we were going. People are friendly, if you get lost then they will help you get back on track. The 'convenience' of a minibus is so not worth wasting your money and potentially risking your life. :)

I used to use mini buses and shared taxis for short hops during many visits to Fiji, some rides being hair-raising, most not at all. But Local traffic can be scary at the best of times. I stopped using minibuses when, on one trip, while I was waiting for the minibus a local came over and advised me not to take one, as a lot of them aren't licensed to pick up passengers and if the police stop them along they way, all passengers have to get out and then they have to find other means of transport. Don't know if that holds true now, that happened about 12 years ago, however now I use buses, unless my destination isn't on a bus route.

"That which doesn't kill you makes you old"

-anon

PS-glad to hear OP is OK-Note than in Fiji I rarely use vehicles driven by Indians-altogether too unreliable.