A family-owned transport company has assured members of the public that their buses are safe and always prioritise passenger safety.

Aiai'ava Transport Limited owner, 69-year-old Lucky Andersen, told the Samoa Observer in an interview that his company-owned buses are safe and it is often drivers’ recklessness that lead to motor traffic accidents.

"It is safe, the buses itself are safe but the accidents that involve buses are caused by the carelessness of the driver,'' he said.

Buses owned by the Aiai'ava Transport has a long history going back many years, as it was initially established by Mr Andersen’s grandfather, before the company’s ownership was passed down to his sons comprising Mr Andersen and his siblings.

"My brother is the one that owns the Aiai'ava buses that are in Savaii, Folole owns the ready-made buses and I own the traditional buses of Aiai'ava here in Upolu,'' Mr Andersen said.

“I am getting older and it’s time to give it to my children to run it.”

With the extension of the state of emergency and economic cost of the measles epidemic already impacting businesses, the bus-owner said they are used to market unpredictability with less people using public transport.

“With the measles crisis, there are a few people travelling to town and with the state of emergency being extended, it is indeed another thing for us but we are used to it. We understand that in business, there are times when business is good and there are also times where it just doesn't work the way we want it to be.”

Mr Andersen said it is business as usual with his company and they are yet to come across any major challenges that could directly impact his business.

The Aiai'ava Transport Limited has a good track record serving the community for years and he believes his buses are safe and put the comfort and safety of their passengers first. 

The public transport service offered by the company through its world-famous traditional Samoan buses are also the only means of transport for Samoans who do not have cars of their own.