Dear Editor,

I cannot help but feel genuine sympathy for Samoan families as the price of diesel escalates in leaps and bounds. The report, “$675 for a full tank: Buses rethink strategy” (May 11), gives clear insight into the challenges public transport providers face in ensuring the ongoing profitability of their routes.

These financial hurdles create challenges for students and workers who rely on these essential services. The struggle to meet increased prices further vindicates the case for why the country’s energy resilience, security, and stability should be better diversified in the medium to long-term.

The ongoing squeeze also mirrors difficulties experienced by the Electric Power Corporation (EPC). As people look for ways to save on power bills with the predicted surge on the horizon, less diesel sales result in less EPC revenue—an unfortunate consequence for all.

It is a burning question over who will bear the cost to keep city buses running. As the rising cost of living bites into budgets, I am curious where the increasing public anger will be directed. Greater incentives and investments in renewable energy sources will offer a more sustainable option to alleviate these costs. Furthermore, a public transport subsidy system is a far better way to guarantee that every family has access to a bus. The case for both was made crystal clear today.

Yours faithfully,

Ilevet Taupau