The Honiara City Council (HCC) Bus Service Committee has issued a public apology to the residents of Honiara following the recent media announcement that the Council would begin operating its own bus service on October 1, 2025.
The Committee clarified that the announcement was premature and that operations have not yet started.
The Committee acknowledges the confusion and criticism that have circulated on social media since the announcement and sincerely apologizes to the public for any misunderstanding that may have occurred.
On 17 July 2025, the HCC Executive Government endorsed an Executive Paper on establishing and operating a bus service under the Honiara City Council.
Following that decision, a Technical Oversight Committee, now known as the Honiara City Bus Service Committee, was formed to lead the project.
The Committee’s main task is to develop proper mechanisms, including administrative reforms, operational processes, and procedures for the newly established Commercial Arm within the Trade and Commerce Division.
This Commercial Arm will be responsible for overseeing commercial activities under HCC, including the proposed bus service.
The Honiara City Council, as a non-profit government body, is required by law to follow specific legal and administrative steps before it can engage in business activities. Establishing and operating a bus service involves complex legal and financial processes that must be properly addressed to ensure the venture is sustainable and compliant with government regulations.
The Committee emphasized that setting up a bus service for a local government like HCC is not an easy task.
It requires the establishment of a separate business arm that can operate independently while still being accountable to the Council.
HCC and the Bus Service Committee assure the public that they are working hard to complete all requirements before launching the service.
The Council remains committed to providing an affordable and reliable bus service for Honiara residents once all processes are finalized.
On Monday, 13 October 2025, marked the first official meeting of the Honiara City Council Bus Service Committee.
The committee comprises officers from the national government and HCC.
– HCC Press
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